Where to pay your SFPUC bill and what payment methods work
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) accepts payments through several channels, and you can choose whichever fits your routine. You can pay online through the SFPUC website without creating an account, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment office.
Online payment is the fastest route: go to sfpuc.org, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number and amount due. You do not need to log in. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic bank transfers. If you pay by card, a small processing fee applies — the exact amount shows before you confirm. Bank transfers (ACH) have no fee but take one to two business days to post.
By phone, call 311 (San Francisco's main line) and ask for SFPUC billing, or call the SFPUC directly at 311 or 415-551-3000. A representative can process a card or bank account payment over the phone. By mail, send a check or money order to the address on your bill — allow at least 10 business days for it to reach and post. In person, you can pay at the SFPUC office at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through sfpuc.org is fastest and requires no account login, though credit card payments carry a processing fee.
- ACH bank transfers have no fee but take one to two business days to clear, while checks take 10 business days or longer.
- You can pay by phone through 311 or directly to SFPUC at 415-551-3000 if you prefer speaking to a representative.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method except in-person payments.
How to set up automatic payments and avoid late fees
If you want to stop thinking about your water bill, SFPUC allows you to set up automatic monthly payments. You can arrange this online, by phone, or by mail using a form from the SFPUC website.
To set up autopay online, log into your SFPUC account (or create one at sfpuc.org) and navigate to "Billing & Payments." Select "Enroll in AutoPay" and choose whether to pay the full amount due or a fixed amount each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account. By phone, call 311 or 415-551-3000 and a representative will walk you through the setup. By mail, download the AutoPay authorization form from sfpuc.org, fill it out with your bank details, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Late fees apply if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. SFPUC typically allows 20 days from the bill date before a late charge is added. If you are on autopay, the payment posts on the date you choose, so you control when the money leaves your account. If you miss a payment or pay late, contact SFPUC as soon as possible — they may be able to waive a first late fee or work out a payment plan if you explain the situation.
Understanding what your bill includes and why amounts change
Your SFPUC bill covers water service, sewer service, and stormwater management — three separate charges that appear on one statement. The water charge is based on how much you use, measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons. The sewer charge is usually tied to your water use, since most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer. The stormwater charge is a flat fee that does not change month to month.
Your bill also includes any taxes or surcharges that apply in San Francisco. These can include a water tax, sewer tax, and stormwater management fee. The exact breakdown appears in the "Charges" section of your bill. If you notice your bill jumped significantly from the previous month, the most common reason is higher water use — check whether you ran a sprinkler, filled a pool, or had a leak. SFPUC bills are usually issued monthly, though the exact date depends on your meter reading schedule.
If you believe your bill is wrong, you can request a meter test or review. Contact SFPUC billing at 311 or 415-551-3000 with your account number and a description of what seems off. They can send someone to check your meter or review your usage history. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
What to do if you cannot pay your bill on time
If you are facing a hardship and cannot pay your water bill by the due date, contact SFPUC before the bill becomes overdue. They offer payment plans for customers who need more time, and they may have programs to help with costs if you meet certain income thresholds.
Call 311 or 415-551-3000 and explain your situation to a billing representative. They can set up a payment plan that spreads your bill across multiple months, which stops late fees from accumulating while you pay. The length of the plan depends on the amount owed and your circumstances. SFPUC also administers the Water Assistance Program for low-income households — this program can help pay your bill or reduce your monthly charges. To learn whether you may be may be able to access, ask the representative about income-based assistance when you call.
If your service has been shut off due to non-payment, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment. If you are elderly, disabled, or have a medical condition that makes water essential, mention this when you call — SFPUC may prioritize your case or offer additional options.
Reading your SFPUC bill and finding your account number
Your SFPUC bill is organized into sections that tell you what you owe, when it is due, and how your charges break down. At the top, you will see your account number (a string of numbers unique to your property), the bill date, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill date.
Below that is the "Amount Due" — this is the total you need to pay. The "Charges" section lists each component: water use, sewer, stormwater, taxes, and any other fees. Each charge shows the rate (price per unit) and the quantity used or the flat fee. If you use less water one month, your water charge will be lower. The sewer and stormwater charges usually stay the same unless SFPUC changes its rates.
Your account number appears in the upper left corner of the bill and also in the address block. You will need this number to pay online, by phone, or to contact SFPUC about your account. If you cannot find your bill or account number, log into your online account at sfpuc.org or call 311 to request a copy.
Setting up online account access and paperless billing
Creating an online account with SFPUC lets you view your bill anytime, set up autopay, and manage your account without calling. Go to sfpuc.org and select "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will need your account number (from your bill) and your service address to register.
Once you are logged in, you can view your current and past bills, see your water usage history, and update your contact information. If you want to switch to paperless billing, look for the "Paperless Billing" or "eNotification" option in your account settings. SFPUC will then email you when your bill is ready instead of mailing a paper copy. You can still download and print your bill from your account if you need a paper record.
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, call 311 or 415-551-3000 and a representative can help you set it up over the phone or troubleshoot the issue.
Disputing a charge or requesting a meter adjustment
If you believe a charge on your bill is incorrect — whether it is the water amount, a fee, or a tax — you can file a dispute with SFPUC. Start by calling 311 or 415-551-3000 and describing what you think is wrong. Have your bill in front of you so you can reference specific charges and dates.
SFPUC will ask you to explain why you think the charge is incorrect. If you suspect a leak, they may send a technician to inspect your meter and pipes at no cost. If you think your meter is reading too high, you can request a meter test — SFPUC will test the meter and compare it to a standard. If the meter is faulty, they may adjust your bill or replace the meter. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a formal review. Ask the representative for information about SFPUC's dispute resolution process. Keep copies of all correspondence and your bill for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my SFPUC bill with a credit card online without an account?
Yes. Go to sfpuc.org, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number and the amount due. You can pay with a debit card or credit card without logging in. A processing fee applies to card payments, and the amount shows before you confirm the transaction.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Credit and debit card payments usually post within one business day. ACH bank transfers take one to two business days. Checks sent by mail take at least 10 business days. If you pay online, you will receive a confirmation number immediately — keep this for your records.
What happens if I miss my due date?
A late fee is added to your bill if payment does not arrive by the due date. Contact SFPUC at 311 or 415-551-3000 as soon as possible to set up a payment plan or discuss your options. They may waive a first late fee in some cases or help you avoid service shutoff.
How do I know if my water usage is too high?
Compare your current bill to the same month last year — seasonal changes are normal. If your usage jumped without explanation, check for leaks in toilets, faucets, or pipes. SFPUC can review your usage history by phone or online account. If you suspect a leak, call 311 to request a meter inspection.
Is there a way to reduce my monthly water bill?
Use less water to lower your water and sewer charges. Fix leaks promptly, take shorter showers, and run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers. If you are low-income, ask SFPUC about the Water Assistance Program when you call 311 — you may be able to reduce your monthly charges based on income.