Where and how to pay Seattle Public Utilities
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) gives you four main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the SPU website — you can set it up in minutes and see your payment post within one business day.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call SPU's customer service line at 206-684-3000. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payments made by phone are typically processed the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a weekday.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days to reach SPU and post to your account — so send them early if your due date is approaching. Include your account number on the check to ensure it credits to the right account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the SPU website is the fastest option and lets you pay anytime without calling or visiting in person.
- Phone payments at 206-684-3000 are processed the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. on a weekday.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
- SPU offers automatic payment setup so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember.
- Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly charge on the unpaid balance, so paying by the due date saves money.
Setting up online payment on the SPU website
Go to the Seattle Public Utilities website and look for the "Pay My Bill" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and either a debit card or bank account information. The site uses encryption to protect your financial data, and SPU does not store your full card number after the transaction completes.
When you enter your payment amount and due date, the system shows you when the payment will post. If you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day, the payment usually posts within 24 hours. Payments made on weekends or after 5 p.m. on weekdays are processed the next business day.
You do not need to create a login account to make a one-time payment, but creating one lets you view your bill history, set up automatic payments, and check your account balance anytime. If you create an account, use a password you do not use elsewhere and keep your login information secure.
Automatic payment: how it works and how to cancel
Automatic payment, also called autopay, deducts your bill from your bank account or charges your card on the same date each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment and triggering a late fee. To set up autopay, log into your SPU account online or call 206-684-3000 and ask a representative to enroll you.
You choose the payment date — most people pick a date shortly after they receive their bill or shortly after payday. SPU will deduct the full amount due each month. If your bill varies (which it does for water and sewer, since usage changes seasonally), the autopay amount adjusts automatically.
You can cancel autopay anytime by logging into your account online or calling customer service. Cancellation takes effect immediately, so your next bill will not be automatically deducted. If you cancel, remember to pay manually by the due date to avoid a late fee.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, SPU adds a 1.5% monthly charge to the unpaid balance. This charge compounds — if you do not pay the next month, the fee applies to the original amount plus the previous month's fee. Over time, late fees can add significantly to what you owe.
SPU typically does not shut off service immediately after one late payment. However, if your account falls 60 days past due, SPU may send a shutoff notice. The notice gives you a window to pay before service is disconnected. If service is shut off, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance and late charges.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact SPU before your account falls behind. SPU offers a low-income rate reduction program for households that meet income limits, and they can discuss payment plans for amounts you cannot pay in full right away.
Understanding your SPU bill and what you are paying for
Your Seattle Public Utilities bill covers water, sewer, and stormwater services. The bill shows separate charges for each service, plus a base charge that covers meter reading and billing. Water and sewer charges are based on how much water you used that month, measured in hundreds of gallons (called "CCF" on the bill). Stormwater is usually a flat monthly fee based on the size of your property.
The bill also lists any adjustments, credits, or taxes that apply to your account. If you have a leak adjustment, a low-income discount, or a credit from a previous overpayment, it will show on this bill. Read the "Summary" section at the top of your bill to see the total amount due and the due date.
If you do not understand a charge on your bill, call SPU at 206-684-3000 and ask a representative to explain it. They can tell you whether the charge is correct, whether you are using more water than expected, or whether a discount or program might lower your bill.
Payment methods that do not work with SPU
SPU does not accept payment through third-party bill payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. If you try to pay through one of these services, the money will not reach SPU and your bill will remain unpaid. Always pay directly through the SPU website, by phone, by mail, or at an authorized payment location.
SPU also does not accept cryptocurrency or wire transfers for bill payments. Stick to the four official payment methods listed at the beginning of this guide. If you are unsure whether a payment method is legitimate, call customer service before sending money.
In-person payment locations and hours
You can pay your SPU bill in person at the SPU Customer Service Office, located at 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA 98104. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The office is closed on weekends and city holidays. Bring your bill or account number and a check, money order, or debit card.
Some Seattle-area grocery stores and payment centers also accept SPU payments. Call 206-684-3000 to ask whether a location near you accepts payments, or check the SPU website for an updated list of authorized payment locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my SPU bill with a credit card?
SPU does not accept credit cards for bill payments. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, check, or money order. If you want to use a credit card to build rewards, you could pay your debit card or bank account through your credit card's bill payment feature, but that is a separate transaction and SPU will not see the credit card directly.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day typically post within 24 hours. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day. If your payment does not appear within two business days, call SPU at 206-684-3000 to confirm it was received.
What if I pay too much by accident?
If you overpay, SPU will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling 206-684-3000. Refunds are mailed to the address on file and typically arrive within two to three weeks.
Can I set up autopay for a different amount each month?
Autopay deducts the full amount due each month, which varies based on your usage. You cannot set autopay to a fixed amount that differs from your bill. If you want more control over the payment amount, make manual payments instead.
What should I do if my payment was lost in the mail?
Call SPU at 206-684-3000 and tell them the date you mailed the payment and the check number. They can search their records to see if the payment arrived. If it did not, you can stop payment on the check through your bank and make a new payment online or by phone to avoid a late fee.