Pay your Philadelphia water bill online, by phone, or by mail
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) offers three main payment methods: online through their website, by phone with a representative, or by mailing a check. Online payment is the fastest and most direct route — you can pay immediately without waiting for mail delivery or phone hold times. If you prefer speaking to someone or don't have internet access, phone payment works the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach PWD, so use it only if you have time before your due date.
Your bill arrives every two months, and the due date is printed on the front of your statement. Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty on the unpaid balance, so knowing your due date matters. If you're struggling to pay the full amount, PWD has a payment plan option that lets you spread the cost over several months without penalty — this is worth exploring before your account falls behind.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at phillywater.org using your account number and PIN, or call 215-685-6300 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card.
- Mailing a check to Philadelphia Water Department, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 takes 7 to 10 business days, so mail early if your due date is soon.
- Late payments add a 1.5% monthly penalty to your unpaid balance, so contact PWD before your due date if you cannot pay in full.
- PWD offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months without penalty if you're having trouble paying the full amount at once.
- Your account number and PIN appear on your bill; have them ready before you pay online or by phone.
Paying online through the PWD website
Go to phillywater.org and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You'll need your account number (printed on your bill) and your PIN. If you don't have a PIN, you can create one during your first online payment or by calling PWD customer service at 215-685-6300.
The online system accepts debit cards and credit cards. Enter your payment amount, card details, and confirm. The payment posts to your account immediately, though it may take one business day to show as cleared on your statement. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot for your records.
If you want to set up automatic recurring payments so you don't have to remember each billing cycle, the PWD website has an option for that too. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month, and you can cancel anytime.
Paying by phone with PWD customer service
Call 215-685-6300 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. A representative will confirm your account, tell you the amount due, and process your payment over the phone.
Phone payments are processed the same day you call, so this method works well if your due date is within a few days. There is no fee for paying by phone. If you have questions about your bill or need to discuss a payment plan, the representative can help with that during the same call.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order. Mail it to:
Philadelphia Water Department 1101 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive at PWD. If your due date is within two weeks, mailing is risky because late fees start the day after the due date, regardless of when PWD receives your payment. Use mail only if you have extra time or if you're paying early.
Include your bill statement with your check if possible — it helps PWD match the payment to your account faster. If you don't have the statement, writing your account number clearly on the check is enough.
What to do if you can't pay the full amount by the due date
Contact PWD before your due date to ask about a payment plan. Call 215-685-6300 and explain your situation. PWD can set up an arrangement that spreads your bill over several months without adding the 1.5% monthly late penalty. The exact terms depend on the amount owed and your circumstances, but this option exists specifically to help people who face temporary hardship.
If your account has already fallen behind, you can still call to set up a plan. The sooner you contact PWD, the more options you have. Waiting until after a shutoff notice arrives makes the situation harder to resolve.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your water bill shows the amount due, the due date, and your account number in large print near the top. The account number is a series of digits unique to your property. You need this number to pay online, by phone, or to check your balance.
Your bill also lists your usage for the two-month billing period, the rate per gallon, and any adjustments or credits. If you think your bill is wrong — for example, if your usage suddenly jumped — you can dispute it by calling PWD customer service. They can review your account history and investigate unusual charges.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
The easiest way to never miss a due date is to set up automatic payments through phillywater.org. You choose the payment amount and the date each month (or every two months, matching your billing cycle). The payment comes out of your bank account or card automatically.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you're worried about overdrafts, set the payment amount lower than your full bill and pay the difference manually, or schedule the payment a few days after you know your paycheck has arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for paying my water bill online?
No. PWD does not charge a fee for online payments made through phillywater.org. Phone and mail payments are also free. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee, so pay directly through the PWD website or by calling their official number to avoid extra costs.
What happens if I miss my due date?
A 1.5% monthly penalty is added to your unpaid balance starting the day after the due date. If your account stays unpaid for 60 days, PWD may issue a shutoff notice. Contact PWD immediately if you've missed a payment — they can discuss a payment plan before shutoff occurs.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online or by phone using their account number. Mail payments should include the account number on the check so PWD credits the correct account. The account holder should contact PWD if they want to authorize someone else to make payments regularly.
How do I find my account number if I lost my bill?
Call PWD customer service at 215-685-6300 with your address and they will provide your account number. You can also create an online account at phillywater.org to view your account number and billing history anytime.
Does PWD accept payment plans for past-due amounts?
Yes. Call 215-685-6300 to discuss a payment arrangement if you owe money from previous billing periods. PWD works with customers to set up plans that fit their situation, though the terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history.