Where to pay your American Water bill in New Jersey
American Water serves parts of New Jersey through its subsidiary New Jersey American Water. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at an authorized payment location. The fastest and most convenient method for most people is online payment through your account on the American Water website.
To pay online, log into your account at amwater.com, navigate to the bill payment section, and enter your payment amount and preferred payment date. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need your account number (found on your bill) and your service address to register.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call New Jersey American Water's customer service line at 1-800-272-1325 to make a payment by phone using a debit card or bank account. Payments made by phone are processed immediately, though a small fee may apply depending on your payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through amwater.com is free and lets you choose your payment date or set up automatic monthly payments.
- Phone payments at 1-800-272-1325 are processed the same day but may include a convenience fee.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
- Late payments trigger a late fee and may result in service disconnection if unpaid for 30 days or more.
- If you are struggling to pay, New Jersey American Water offers payment plans and hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty.
Mailing a check or money order
The mailing address for your payment appears on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address listed. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach American Water and post to your account.
If you are paying a bill that is already past due, mailing is the slowest option because of the processing delay. Online or phone payment is faster if you want to avoid late fees. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt for your records.
Understanding your bill and payment due date
Your American Water bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 to 25 days from the bill date. Payment is considered on time if it is received by that date, not postmarked by that date.
Your bill includes charges for water service, sewer service (if applicable), and any applicable taxes or fees. Some bills also show a previous balance if you carried an unpaid amount from the prior month. If you do not understand a charge on your bill, call customer service at 1-800-272-1325 to ask about it before paying.
American Water bills are typically issued monthly. If you have enrolled in automatic payments, your account will be charged on the same date each month unless you change the payment date in your online account settings.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. To enroll, log into your account on amwater.com, go to the payment settings, and select the option to set up recurring payments. You will choose the payment amount (usually your full bill) and the date each month when the payment should be processed.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you want to pause payments temporarily or adjust the amount, log in and update your settings. American Water will send you a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are unable to pay your bill by the due date, contact New Jersey American Water as soon as possible. The company offers payment plans that spread your balance over several months, allowing you to avoid a late fee and service disconnection. To request a payment plan, call 1-800-272-1325 and speak with a customer service representative.
New Jersey also has a Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) that may help pay water bills for households meeting income limits. This program is administered through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. You can learn more by contacting your local community action agency or calling 1-800-510-3102.
If your service is disconnected due to non-payment, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to three business days after payment is received. Avoiding disconnection by contacting American Water early is much simpler than dealing with reconnection.
Late fees and service disconnection
American Water charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee—check your bill or account online to see the exact amount. Late fees are added to your next bill.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more past the due date, American Water may disconnect your service. Before disconnection, you will receive a notice in the mail giving you time to pay or contact the company about a payment plan. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my American Water bill at a store or payment center?
American Water does not operate walk-in payment centers in most New Jersey locations. Your best options are online payment, phone payment, or mailing a check. Some third-party bill payment services may accept American Water payments—check your bank's bill payment options or ask American Water customer service for a list of authorized payment locations in your area.
What happens if I pay online but the payment does not show up right away?
Online payments typically post to your account within one to two business days. If you pay close to your due date and are concerned about timing, pay a few days early or use the phone payment option for same-day processing. You can check the status of your payment by logging into your account on amwater.com.
Can I change my billing date or payment due date?
Your billing date is set by American Water based on your meter reading schedule and cannot be changed. However, if you have enrolled in automatic payments, you can choose the date each month when the payment is processed. Contact customer service at 1-800-272-1325 if you want to discuss your billing cycle.
What should I do if I think there is an error on my bill?
Call New Jersey American Water at 1-800-272-1325 to report a billing error. Have your account number and bill handy. The company will investigate and contact you with an explanation. Do not withhold payment while disputing a charge—continue paying the amount you believe is correct to avoid late fees.
Is there a discount if I pay my bill in full upfront?
American Water does not offer discounts for early or full payment. Your bill amount is based on your water and sewer usage and is the same regardless of when you pay. However, paying on time avoids late fees, which saves you money.