Where and how to pay Denver Water
Denver Water accepts payments through several channels, and you can choose the one that fits your routine. You can pay online at denverwaterco.org, by phone at 303-893-2444, by mail, or in person at Denver Water's office at 1600 West 12th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204.
Online payment is the fastest option. Log into your account on the Denver Water website, enter your bill number (found on your statement), and pay by bank account or credit card. The site processes payments immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the payment to show on your account.
Phone payments work the same way — call the number above and have your bill number ready. A representative will walk you through the process. If you mail a check, write your bill number on it and send it to the address on your bill; mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive and post.
Key Takeaways
- Denver Water's website at denverwaterco.org lets you pay instantly with a bank account or card, and you can set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
- Phone payments at 303-893-2444 work during business hours and process the same day, though the payment may take one to two days to appear on your account.
- Mailed checks should include your bill number and take five to seven business days to clear, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you sent it.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a bill. On the Denver Water website, go to your account settings and select "Auto Pay." You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. Payments come out of your bank account on the due date.
Once automatic payment is active, you still receive a bill each month — it shows what you owe and confirms the automatic payment is scheduled. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account, and Denver Water will send you a confirmation email when the payment processes.
Understanding your bill and what you are paying for
Your Denver Water bill includes three main charges: the service charge (a fixed monthly fee for access to water), the water usage charge (based on how many gallons you used), and any applicable taxes or fees. The bill shows your current meter reading and the previous month's reading; the difference is your usage.
Water usage is measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" or HCF. One HCF equals 748 gallons. Your bill shows how many HCF you used and the rate per HCF, which varies by season — winter rates are lower than summer rates because demand is lower. If you used more water than expected, check for leaks in toilets, outdoor faucets, or irrigation systems.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact Denver Water before your due date if you know you will miss a payment. Call 303-893-2444 and ask about payment arrangements. Denver Water may allow you to split the bill into smaller payments over several weeks, though this depends on your account history and the amount owed.
Late fees are added if payment is not received by the due date. The fee amount depends on how late the payment is. If your bill goes unpaid for 30 days or more, Denver Water may issue a shut-off notice. The company must give you at least 10 days' notice before disconnecting service, so you have time to contact them and work out a plan.
Lowering your water bill through usage reduction
The easiest way to lower your bill is to use less water. Fix leaks quickly — a dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons per month. Toilets are the biggest source of indoor leaks; if yours runs constantly or hisses after flushing, the flapper valve likely needs replacing, a $10 to $20 fix.
Outdoors, water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Denver's dry climate means water disappears fast in afternoon heat. If you have an irrigation system, adjust it seasonally — many people forget to turn it off in fall and winter, wasting water and money. Denver Water's website has a free water audit tool that estimates your usage and suggests where you might be wasting water.
Reading your Denver Water bill step by step
Your bill shows several key pieces of information. At the top is your account number and service address. Below that is the "Amount Due" and the due date — this is what you need to pay and when. The "Current Charges" section breaks down the service charge, water usage charge, and any taxes.
The "Meter Information" section shows your current meter reading and the previous month's reading. Subtract the old reading from the new one to find your usage in HCF. Below that, the bill lists the rate per HCF and multiplies it by your usage to show the water charge. If a number seems wrong, check your meter reading — if the reading is accurate, the math is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Denver Water bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online at denverwaterco.org or by phone at 303-893-2444. Be aware that Denver Water charges a convenience fee (usually 2.5% to 3% of the payment) when you use a credit card, so paying by bank account or check avoids this extra cost.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. If your bill remains unpaid for 30 days or more, Denver Water sends a shut-off notice. You have at least 10 days after the notice to pay or contact the company to arrange a payment plan before service is disconnected.
How do I find my bill number?
Your bill number appears on your paper bill in the upper right corner and in your online account. You need it to pay by phone or to log into your account on the website. If you cannot find it, call 303-893-2444 and a representative can look it up using your service address.
Can I change my payment due date?
Denver Water does not allow you to change your due date, but you can pay early anytime. If you want your bill due on a different day of the month, contact Denver Water at 303-893-2444 to discuss your options — the company may be able to adjust your billing cycle in some cases.
Is there a discount for paying in full upfront?
Denver Water does not offer discounts for early or full payment. Your bill is the same whether you pay on the due date or earlier. However, paying on time avoids late fees, which saves money compared to paying after the due date.