EBMUD bill payment basics
EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) serves water and wastewater customers in the East Bay area of California. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
Your EBMUD bill arrives every two months and shows your water usage, wastewater charges, and any additional fees. Payment is due by the date printed on your bill — typically about 30 days after the bill date. Late payments trigger a 10% penalty on the amount due, so knowing your due date and payment method matters.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay EBMUD bills online at ebmud.com, by phone at 1-866-403-2683, or by mail to the address on your bill.
- Online payments through the EBMUD website are free and process within one to two business days.
- AutoPay enrollment lets you set up automatic payments from your bank account on a date you choose each billing cycle.
- If you pay by mail, send your payment at least 10 days before the due date to avoid late fees.
- EBMUD also accepts payments at authorized payment centers and through third-party bill pay services linked to your bank account.
Paying online through the EBMUD website
The fastest and most direct way to pay is through EBMUD's online payment portal at ebmud.com. Click "Pay My Bill" on the homepage, then enter your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. You will need a valid email address to complete the transaction.
Online payments are free and do not charge a processing fee. The payment posts to your account within one to two business days. If you need the payment to reach EBMUD faster, paying online is better than mailing a check, which can take five to seven business days depending on mail delivery.
You do not need to create a login or account to make a one-time payment. If you plan to pay regularly online, you can set up a free account on the EBMUD website to view your bill history and track payment status.
Setting up automatic payments with AutoPay
AutoPay removes the need to remember your due date or log in each billing cycle. You authorize EBMUD to withdraw the full bill amount from your bank account on a date you select — typically a few days after your bill arrives. You can change or cancel AutoPay at any time through your EBMUD account.
To enroll in AutoPay, log into your account on ebmud.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "AutoPay." You will provide your bank account number and routing number. EBMUD will process the first automatic payment on the date you choose, then repeat it every billing cycle.
AutoPay is free and reduces the risk of late fees because the payment happens automatically. If your bill amount varies significantly from month to month due to seasonal usage, you can still use AutoPay — it will deduct whatever the current bill amount is on your chosen date.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call EBMUD's automated payment line at 1-866-403-2683. Have your account number and payment amount ready. Phone payments are free and process within one to two business days, the same as online payments.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to EBMUD and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes based on your service area, so always use the one on your current bill. Send your payment at least 10 days before the due date to account for mail delivery time. Late payments incur a 10% penalty, so mailing close to the due date risks triggering that fee.
Do not send cash by mail. If you need to pay in person, EBMUD has payment centers in Oakland, Concord, and Walnut Creek where you can pay by cash, check, or debit card during business hours.
Using your bank's bill pay service
Many banks offer bill pay through their online banking platform. You can set up EBMUD as a payee and schedule payments directly from your bank account. This method is free and gives you a record of payment through your bank's system as well as through EBMUD.
When you set up EBMUD through your bank's bill pay, the bank mails a check on your behalf or transfers the payment electronically, depending on the bank's process. Processing time is usually five to seven business days, so schedule the payment earlier than you would if paying online directly through EBMUD.
Check with your bank about whether they charge a fee for bill pay services — most do not, but some banks limit the number of free bill payments per month. If your bank charges a fee, paying directly through EBMUD's website or phone line is free and faster.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact EBMUD before the bill becomes late. Call 1-866-403-2683 or visit ebmud.com to explore options. EBMUD may offer a payment plan that lets you split the bill into smaller amounts over several months, which avoids the 10% late fee.
If your bill is already late, the 10% penalty is added automatically. You can still set up a payment plan to catch up, but the penalty remains. Paying the full amount as soon as you can is the fastest way to clear the debt and avoid further penalties or service disconnection.
EBMUD also has programs for customers with low income or financial hardship. Contact their customer service line to ask about bill assistance or rate reduction programs you may be able to use.
Understanding your EBMUD bill and payment history
Your EBMUD bill shows your water usage in units called "hundred cubic feet" (HCF). One HCF equals 748 gallons. The bill breaks down charges for water supply, wastewater treatment, and any additional fees or taxes. Your bill also shows the due date and the amount due.
When you log into your EBMUD account online, you can view your current bill, past bills, and a record of all payments you have made. This history is useful if you need to dispute a charge or verify that a payment posted correctly. Keep records of your payments, especially if you pay by check or mail, in case a payment is lost in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my EBMUD account?
Online payments through ebmud.com typically post within one to two business days. Payments made on weekends or holidays may take longer. You can check your payment status by logging into your account on the EBMUD website.
Can I set up AutoPay and then cancel it later?
Yes. You can cancel AutoPay at any time through your EBMUD account online or by calling 1-866-403-2683. Cancellation takes effect on your next billing cycle, so contact EBMUD at least a few days before your next automatic payment date if you want to stop it before the next charge.
What happens if I pay my EBMUD bill late?
A 10% penalty is added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days, EBMUD may disconnect your water service. You can set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection — call 1-866-403-2683 to discuss options.
Is there a fee to pay my EBMUD bill online?
No. Paying through ebmud.com, by phone, or through AutoPay is free. Your bank's bill pay service is also free at most banks, though some charge a small fee — check with your bank.
Can I pay someone else's EBMUD bill?
Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online or by phone without needing account access. If you want to set up AutoPay or access the account online, you will need to be listed as an authorized user or account holder.