The fastest way to pay LADWP is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a payment center
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) gives you several ways to pay your bill, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want to set up automatic payments. You do not have to use the same method every time — you can pay online one month and by mail the next if that works better for your situation.
Your bill arrives by mail or email, depending on what you selected when you opened your account. The due date is printed on the front of your bill. If you pay after the due date, LADWP adds a late charge, so knowing your due date is the first step to avoiding extra costs.
Key Takeaways
- LADWP bills are due 18 days after the bill date, and late charges apply if you pay after that date.
- You can pay online at ladwp.com, through the LADWP mobile app, by phone at 1-800-342-5397, or at a payment center without needing to create an account.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account or credit card removes the risk of missing a due date.
- If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact LADWP before the date to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
Paying online through the LADWP website or app
Go to ladwp.com and click "Pay My Bill" at the top of the page. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a payment method — a bank account, debit card, or credit card. The website accepts payments immediately, and the money reaches LADWP within one business day.
The LADWP mobile app works the same way and is available on iOS and Android. Search for "LADWP" in the App Store or Google Play, download the official app, and log in with your account number or email address. Paying through the app takes the same amount of time as the website.
Neither the website nor the app charges a fee for paying with a bank account. If you use a debit or credit card, LADWP charges a processing fee — the amount varies depending on the card type and payment processor, so check the fee before you confirm the payment.
Automatic payments so you never miss a due date
Setting up automatic payments means LADWP withdraws money from your bank account or charges your card on the same day each month, without you having to log in or remember the due date. You can set this up through the website, the app, or by calling 1-800-342-5397.
To set up automatic payments online, go to ladwp.com, click "Pay My Bill," and look for the "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment" option. You will enter your bank account or card details once, and LADWP will charge you on the date you choose. You can change the date, pause the payments, or cancel anytime through the same page.
Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee. Credit and debit card payments still carry a processing fee each month, so if you use a card, factor that cost into your budget.
Paying by phone or at a payment center
Call 1-800-342-5397 to pay over the phone with a debit or credit card. Have your account number and card ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A processing fee applies to phone payments.
LADWP payment centers accept cash, checks, and cards. The main payment center is at 111 North Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also payment centers in other neighborhoods — check ladwp.com for the full list and hours. Paying in person with cash or a check has no fee.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order, include the payment stub from your bill, and mail it to the address printed on your bill. LADWP recommends mailing your payment at least 10 days before the due date to account for mail delivery time. If your check arrives after the due date, LADWP will charge a late fee even though the delay was not your fault.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If LADWP reports your account as late but you mailed the payment on time, you will have proof to dispute the charge.
What happens if you miss the due date
LADWP charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill. The fee is a percentage of your bill amount — the exact percentage varies, so check your bill or call 1-800-342-5397 to find out the current rate. The late charge is added to your next bill.
If you are behind on payments, LADWP may disconnect your water or power. The company typically sends a notice before disconnection, but the timeline is short — sometimes only a few days. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact LADWP immediately to discuss a payment plan or hardship program.
Payment plans and hardship programs if you cannot pay in full
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, call 1-800-342-5397 before the due date and ask about a payment plan. LADWP can spread your bill over several months so you pay a smaller amount each month. You will need to make the first payment right away, and the remaining balance will be divided into installments.
LADWP also offers the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and other hardship programs for customers with low income or those facing a temporary financial crisis. These programs may reduce your bill or help you catch up on arrears. Call 1-800-342-5397 and ask which programs you may be able to use, or visit ladwp.com to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my LADWP bill without creating an account?
Yes. You can pay in person at a payment center with cash or a check, or by phone at 1-800-342-5397 with a debit or credit card. Both methods require only your account number, which is on your bill. Online and app payments do require you to enter your account number and payment details, but you do not need to create a login account.
What is the processing fee for credit card payments?
LADWP does not charge the fee — a third-party payment processor does. The fee amount varies depending on the card type and is shown to you before you confirm the payment. Bank account payments have no fee. If the fee is too high, pay with a different method instead.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?
Online and app payments show up within one business day. Phone and in-person payments at a payment center usually show up the same day or the next business day. Mailed checks take longer because of mail delivery time, so mail at least 10 days before the due date.
What if I pay my bill twice by accident?
Contact LADWP at 1-800-342-5397 and explain what happened. They will credit the extra payment to your next bill or issue a refund. Keep your payment confirmation number or receipt so you can reference both payments when you call.
Can I set up automatic payments for only part of my bill?
No. Automatic payments cover your full bill amount each month. If you want to pay a partial amount, you will need to make manual payments instead and contact LADWP to set up a payment plan for the remainder.