Pay your California water bill through CCWater's online portal, by phone, or by mail
California Water Service Company (CCWater) lets you pay your bill in several ways, depending on what works best for your schedule. The fastest method is their online portal at ccwater.com, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their payment line, set up automatic payments, or mail a check.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your water usage, charges, and the due date — usually about 20 days from the bill date. Paying on time avoids late fees. If you fall behind, CCWater can shut off service, so knowing your payment options ahead of time helps you stay current.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at ccwater.com using your account number, which appears on your bill.
- Automatic payments from your bank account eliminate the risk of missing a due date.
- Phone payments work the same day but may include a small fee depending on your payment method.
- Mailed checks should arrive at least five business days before the due date to avoid late fees.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact CCWater before the due date to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
Paying online through the CCWater portal
Log in to your account at ccwater.com using your account number and the password you created when you registered. Your account number is on the front of your bill. If you have not registered yet, click "Create Account" and follow the prompts — you will need your account number and the service address.
Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and choose your payment method. CCWater accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Bank account payments (also called ACH transfers) usually have no fee, while card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. The payment posts immediately if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day; payments made after hours or on weekends process the next business day.
Keep your confirmation number for your records. CCWater will also send you an email receipt if you have provided an email address on your account.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose — usually the due date or a few days before. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and incurring a late fee. To set up autopay, log into your CCWater account online, go to "Billing" or "Payment Settings," and select "Enroll in AutoPay."
You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. CCWater will verify the account with two small test deposits, which you then confirm in your account. Once confirmed, payments happen automatically each month. You can change the payment date or cancel autopay anytime through your online account.
If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (because water usage changes seasonally), autopay still works — CCWater will deduct the amount shown on each bill, not a fixed amount.
Paying by phone with a customer service representative
Call CCWater's payment line at 1-800-221-0049 to pay over the phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will walk you through the payment and provide a confirmation number immediately.
Phone payments process the same day if made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. CCWater accepts debit cards and bank account transfers by phone; credit card payments by phone may carry a higher fee than online payments. Ask the representative about the fee before you authorize the payment.
Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your bill at the same time, since you can ask the representative directly. However, if you simply need to pay without discussion, the online portal is faster and usually fee-free.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. CCWater's mailing address varies by region, so always use the address printed on your statement rather than looking it up separately.
Mail your payment at least five business days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time. The postal service can take several days, and late payments trigger a late fee even if the check was mailed before the due date. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.
Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it helps CCWater match the payment to your account quickly. If you do not have the stub, write your account number clearly on the check.
What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay in full
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, CCWater adds a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. If you remain unpaid for 30 to 60 days (the exact timeline depends on your service area), CCWater may issue a notice of intent to shut off service.
Do not wait until service is shut off to act. Contact CCWater as soon as you know you cannot pay the full amount. Call 1-800-221-0049 and ask about a payment plan or hardship program. Some regions offer extended payment arrangements for customers facing temporary financial difficulty. CCWater may also refer you to local assistance programs that help with utility bills.
If your service is already shut off, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection can take one to three business days depending on the reason for the shutoff and your location.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your CCWater bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, and the due date at the top. The bulk of the bill breaks down your water usage (measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" or HCF), your base service charge, and any additional fees or taxes.
The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. Some bills show a "late payment date" — this is when a late fee kicks in, not when service shuts off. Pay by the due date to avoid the late fee. If you have questions about specific charges, call customer service at 1-800-221-0049 before you pay; they can explain any line item on your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CCWater bill with a credit card online?
Yes, CCWater accepts credit cards on their website, but a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent applies. Bank account transfers (ACH) have no fee. If you want to use a credit card, the fee may cost more than the convenience is worth, especially for larger bills.
What if I do not have an online account yet?
Go to ccwater.com and click "Create Account." You will need your account number (from your bill) and your service address. Once registered, you can pay immediately or set up autopay. If you have trouble registering, call customer service at 1-800-221-0049.
How long does it take for a mailed check to post to my account?
Mail typically takes three to seven business days. CCWater considers a payment late if it is not received by the due date, not if it is postmarked by the due date. Mail your check at least five business days early to be safe.
Can I change my autopay date if my bill is due on a day I do not get paid?
Yes. Log into your account, go to "Payment Settings," and select a different date. You can choose any day of the month. If you choose a date after the due date, you will still owe a late fee, so pick a date on or before the due date shown on your bill.
What if I think there is an error on my bill?
Call CCWater customer service at 1-800-221-0049 before you pay. They can review your usage and charges and explain any discrepancies. You can still dispute a charge after paying, but resolving it before payment is faster.