How to pay your American Water bill in Missouri
American Water serves parts of Missouri through its subsidiary, Missouri American Water. You can pay your bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest way is usually online — you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in autopay, and the payment posts within one business day. If you prefer not to use a computer, calling the customer service line or mailing a check both work, though they take longer to process.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. Late payments trigger a reconnection fee if service is shut off, so knowing your due date and payment method ahead of time saves money and stress.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the Missouri American Water website using your account number, or call 1-800-892-2853 to pay by phone without creating an account.
- Autopay deducts your bill automatically each month from a bank account or credit card, and you can cancel it anytime through your online account or by calling customer service.
- Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 days to reach the payment processing center, so mail it at least 10 days before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- If your service is shut off for non-payment, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance before service restarts.
- Missouri American Water offers a budget billing plan that spreads your annual water costs evenly across 12 months, which can help you plan payments if your bill varies seasonally.
Paying online or by phone
The Missouri American Water website lets you log in with your account number and password to view your bill, make a one-time payment, or set up autopay. You do not need to create an account to pay once — you can enter your account number and pay as a guest, though you will not see your payment history. Creating an account takes a few minutes and lets you see past bills, track usage, and manage autopay from one place.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-892-2853. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a bank account or debit card. This method works the same day you call, though the payment may not show in your online account for 24 hours.
Both online and phone payments are free when you pay from a bank account. Paying with a credit card or debit card through the website or phone line incurs a fee — the amount varies depending on the payment processor, so ask before you confirm. Autopay from a bank account has no fee.
Setting up autopay to avoid missed payments
Autopay withdraws your bill amount from your bank account or debit card on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. Once it is set up, you do not have to remember to pay each month. You can enroll in autopay through your online account under "Billing" or "Payment Options," or by calling customer service.
You can change the payment date, pause autopay for a month, or cancel it entirely at any time through your account. If your bill amount changes — for example, if you use more water in summer — autopay adjusts automatically. If you want to review the amount before it is withdrawn, you can turn off autopay and pay manually that month, then turn it back on.
Mailing a check or paying in person
If you mail a check, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Mail takes 7 to 10 days to reach the payment processing center, so send it at least 10 days before your due date. The payment is not considered received until it arrives at the processing center, not when you drop it in the mailbox.
Some Missouri American Water offices accept in-person payments during business hours. Call 1-800-892-2853 to find the nearest payment location and confirm their hours. In-person payments are processed the same day, so this method is faster than mail if you have a location nearby.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your bill is not paid by the due date, Missouri American Water charges a late fee. The amount depends on your bill total and is shown on your next bill. If you remain unpaid for a certain number of days — usually around 30 to 45 days, depending on your service area — the company may shut off your water service.
To restore service after a shutoff, you must pay the unpaid balance plus a reconnection fee. This fee is separate from your bill and can be significant. If you know you will miss a payment, call customer service before the due date to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs that may be available in your area.
Budget billing and payment plans
Missouri American Water offers budget billing, which calculates your average annual water bill and divides it into 12 equal monthly payments. This helps if your bill is higher in summer (when you water a lawn or fill a pool) and lower in winter. Instead of paying $40 one month and $80 the next, you pay roughly the same amount every month.
Budget billing is recalculated once a year, usually in the fall, to match your actual usage. If you use significantly more or less water than expected, your monthly payment adjusts. You can enroll in budget billing through your online account or by calling customer service. There is no fee to join or cancel.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, ask about payment arrangements or hardship programs. Some areas have programs that help low-income households pay water bills. Customer service can tell you what is available where you live.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your Missouri American Water bill shows your account number at the top, usually a 7 to 10-digit number. You need this number to pay online, by phone, or by mail. The bill also lists your service address, the billing period, your current charges, any balance from the previous month, and the due date.
The charges section breaks down what you are paying for: water usage (measured in gallons or cubic feet), sewer service, and any fees. If you have questions about specific charges, call customer service. They can explain what each line item is and whether you can reduce it — for example, by fixing a leak or using less water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill without creating an online account?
Yes. You can pay as a guest on the website using your account number, or call 1-800-892-2853 to pay by phone. Both methods work without an account, though creating one lets you see your payment history and manage autopay.
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments usually show within 24 hours. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to arrive and process. Autopay withdrawals appear on the due date or shortly after, depending on your bank.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill on time?
Call customer service at 1-800-892-2853 before your due date. They can discuss payment arrangements, extend your due date, or tell you about hardship programs in your area. Calling before you miss the payment is better than calling after, because it may help you avoid a late fee or shutoff.
Is there a fee to set up autopay?
No. Autopay from a bank account is free. If you use a credit card or debit card, a processing fee applies, but autopay from a checking or savings account has no fee.
Can I change my autopay date or amount?
You can change the date anytime through your online account. The amount adjusts automatically based on your usage, but you can pause or cancel autopay for a month if you want to review the charge first.