Where to pay your Board of Water Supply bill

The Board of Water Supply (BWS) serves Honolulu and most of Oahu. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment locations. The fastest and most convenient method is online through their customer portal, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments.

If you prefer to pay by phone, call the BWS customer service line at 748-3000. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or credit card. Payment by phone typically takes a few minutes, and you'll receive a confirmation number.

For mail payments, write your account number on the check and send it to the address listed on your bill. Mail payments take longer to process — usually 7 to 10 business days — so send them early if your due date is approaching. You can also pay in person at the BWS office or at authorized payment locations around Oahu.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the BWS website is the fastest option and lets you pay anytime without calling or visiting an office.
  • Phone payments at 748-3000 work immediately and require only a debit or credit card.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the BWS, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
  • Setting up automatic payments through your bank or the BWS portal prevents missed payments and late fees.
  • Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty on top of your bill amount, so paying by the due date matters.

How to set up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You can enroll through the BWS website by logging into your account and selecting the autopay option, or you can authorize automatic payments directly through your bank's bill pay service.

When you set up autopay through BWS, you choose the payment date and amount. Most customers select the due date shown on their bill so the payment arrives on time. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account portal.

If you use your bank's bill pay instead, the payment goes to the BWS mailing address. This method works well if you prefer to manage all your bills in one place, but it takes longer — typically 5 to 7 business days — so schedule it earlier than you would an online payment.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your BWS bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill is mailed. If you pay after that date, a 10 percent late fee is added to your balance.

Your bill also shows your water usage in gallons and the rate structure. BWS charges a base service fee plus usage charges. The more water you use, the higher your per-gallon rate becomes — this is called an inclining block rate, and it encourages conservation.

If your bill seems unusually high, check for a leak. A running toilet or hidden pipe leak can double or triple your usage overnight. The BWS website has a leak detection guide, or you can call customer service to discuss your usage history.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact BWS customer service before the deadline. They can discuss payment arrangements or connect you with programs that help with water bills during hardship. Waiting until after the late fee is applied makes the situation harder to resolve.

BWS does not shut off water for non-payment as quickly as some utilities do, but accounts in arrears will eventually face service disconnection. The process typically takes several months, but the sooner you contact them, the more options you have.

Some community organizations and government programs in Hawaii offer emergency assistance with utility bills. Your city council member's office or the city's Department of Community Services can point you toward local resources.

Logging into your online account

To access your account online, go to the BWS website and select "Login" or "My Account." You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a password you create during registration. If you don't have an online account yet, you can register with your account number and email address.

Once logged in, you can view your current and past bills, see your water usage history, report a leak, and update your contact information. You can also download bills as PDFs for your records or to submit to a landlord or insurance company.

If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. BWS will send a reset link to your registered email address. If you don't have email access or run into other login problems, call customer service at 748-3000.

Payment methods and fees

BWS accepts payments by debit card, credit card, and electronic bank transfer. There is no fee for paying by electronic bank transfer (ACH) or through automatic payments set up with BWS directly. Some credit card companies charge a convenience fee for utility payments, so check with your card issuer before paying that way.

Checks and money orders sent by mail are free, but they take longer to process. In-person payments at the BWS office or authorized locations are also free and process immediately.

The 10 percent late fee applies to any payment received after the due date, regardless of the payment method. This fee is added to your account balance and must be paid along with your next bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my BWS bill with a credit card online without a fee?

The BWS website does not charge a fee for credit card payments, but your credit card company may. Contact your card issuer to ask whether they charge a convenience fee for utility payments. If they do, paying by debit card, bank transfer, or check avoids the extra cost.

What happens if I miss my due date?

A 10 percent late fee is added to your bill. If you continue to miss payments, your account will eventually be referred for collection and your water service may be disconnected. Contact BWS as soon as you realize you'll be late — they may be able to work out a payment plan.

How do I know if my water bill is correct?

Check your usage against previous months shown on your bill. A sudden spike usually means a leak. You can also read your meter yourself if you have access to it — the meter number and reading are on your bill. If the reading doesn't match your usage, call customer service to report it.

Can I change my billing date or due date?

The due date is set by BWS and is typically 20 days after your bill is mailed. You cannot change the due date itself, but you can schedule your payment for any date before the due date using online payment or autopay. This gives you flexibility even though the deadline stays the same.

What if I'm moving and need to close my account?

Contact BWS at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading and account closure. You'll receive a final bill for any remaining balance. Make sure to pay this bill to avoid collection action, and provide a forwarding address so you receive the final statement.