Where to pay your Birmingham Water Works bill
Birmingham Water Works accepts payments through three main channels: online at their customer portal, by phone, or in person at their payment office. The fastest route is the online portal at bwwb.org, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card without waiting on hold. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call 205-244-6600 during business hours. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Payments made this way typically post within one business day.
For in-person payments, you can visit the Birmingham Water Works office at 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35222 during regular business hours. Bring your bill or account number and a payment method — they accept cash, check, and card payments at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at bwwb.org with your account number and a bank account or debit card for immediate processing.
- Phone payments at 205-244-6600 take one business day to post but do not require internet access.
- In-person payments at 3600 First Avenue North are processed the same day you visit.
- Set up automatic payments through the online portal to avoid late fees and missed due dates.
- Late fees apply if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill shows a specific due date, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. If your payment is not received by that date, Birmingham Water Works charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill amount, so check your bill for the exact fee that applies to you.
Payments mailed by check should be sent at least one week before the due date to account for mail delivery time. If you are cutting it close, use the online portal or phone payment instead — both post immediately or within one business day.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed bills
The online portal at bwwb.org lets you set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. You choose the payment amount and the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account on the Birmingham Water Works website, navigate to the payment section, and select the automatic payment option. You will need your bank account number and routing number. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss the due date, contact Birmingham Water Works before the bill is late. Call 205-244-6600 and explain your situation. The company may be able to work out a payment arrangement or extension, though this is not may provide and depends on your account history.
Do not ignore a late bill. If your account falls significantly behind, Birmingham Water Works can shut off your water service. Once service is disconnected, you will owe both the past-due amount and a reconnection fee to have water restored. Contacting the company early gives you the best chance to avoid disconnection.
Reading your bill to find your account number and due date
Your bill is organized into sections. At the top, you will see your account number — a string of numbers unique to your property. Below that is the billing period (the dates your water use covers) and the due date (when payment must arrive). The due date is the most important number for avoiding late fees.
The middle section shows your water usage in gallons and breaks down charges by service type — water, sewer, and stormwater are usually listed separately. At the bottom is the total amount due. Keep your bill handy when you pay online or by phone; you will need the account number and amount.
Paying a bill for a property you just moved into or out of
If you just moved into a property, the previous owner's bill may still arrive at the address. Do not pay it. Contact Birmingham Water Works to confirm the account has been transferred to your name. Provide your move-in date and ask for a new bill in your name.
If you moved out, notify Birmingham Water Works of your move-out date so the account can be closed and a final bill issued. The final bill will cover water use through your last day of occupancy. Pay this bill to avoid collection action, even if you no longer live there.
Payment methods and fees
Birmingham Water Works does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website using a bank account. Payments by phone and in person are also free. If you pay by mail with a check, there is no fee, but allow extra time for delivery.
Some third-party payment services advertise the ability to pay utility bills online but charge a convenience fee. These are not affiliated with Birmingham Water Works and should be avoided — paying directly through bwwb.org or by phone is always free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments through bwwb.org typically post within one business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. on a weekday or on a weekend, the payment may not process until the next business day. For bills due soon, pay early in the day to be safe.
Can I pay someone else's water bill if I have their account number?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder. However, if you want to set up automatic payments or make changes to the account, you will need to be listed as an authorized user, which requires the account holder's permission.
What happens if my check gets lost in the mail?
If you mailed a check and it does not appear on your account within two weeks, contact Birmingham Water Works at 205-244-6600 with the check number and amount. They can investigate whether the check was received and deposited. In the meantime, make a second payment online or by phone to avoid a late fee.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
The Birmingham Water Works online portal accepts debit cards and bank account payments but typically does not accept credit cards directly. If you want to use a credit card, you may need to use a third-party payment service, though these usually charge a fee. Paying with a debit card or bank account through bwwb.org is free and faster.
What is the reconnection fee if my water gets shut off?
The reconnection fee amount varies and is set by Birmingham Water Works. Call 205-244-6600 to ask what the current fee is. The fee is in addition to any past-due balance you owe, so it is much cheaper to contact the company before your account falls behind.