Where to pay your Hawaii Board of Water Supply bill
The Hawaii Board of Water Supply (BWS) operates water service for Oahu. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest route is online through their customer portal at hbws.org — you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the BWS customer service line at 748-3000 (Oahu) or 1-800-748-3000 (neighbor islands). A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payment by phone takes a few minutes and the transaction posts within one to two business days.
For mail payments, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach the office and post to your account, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
In-person payment locations include the BWS main office in Honolulu and several satellite offices across Oahu. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at these locations. The main office is located at 630 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96843, and payment posts immediately when you pay in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through hbws.org is the fastest method and posts within one to two business days.
- Phone payments at 748-3000 (Oahu) or 1-800-748-3000 (neighbor islands) take a few minutes and work with debit cards or bank accounts.
- Mail payments require five to seven business days, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- In-person payment at the main office or satellite locations posts immediately and accepts cash, check, or debit card.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person cash payments.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payment removes the need to remember your due date each month. Through the BWS customer portal, you can set up recurring payments from your bank account on a date you choose. This method is free and you can change or cancel it at any time through your online account.
To enroll, log into your account at hbws.org, navigate to the billing section, and select the automatic payment option. You'll enter your bank routing number and account number. The system will verify your account with two small test deposits, which you'll confirm to complete setup. After that, your payment withdraws automatically each month on the date you select.
Automatic payment is useful if you want to ensure your bill is paid on time without sending checks or logging in each month. You can still view your bill online before the payment posts, so you'll know the amount being withdrawn.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill due date appears on the front of your statement. Payment is due by 5 p.m. on that date. If payment is not received by the due date, BWS charges a late fee on your next bill. The late fee amount varies depending on your bill total, but it is typically a percentage of the amount owed.
If you miss the due date, your account does not shut off immediately. However, if payment remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, BWS may issue a notice of intent to discontinue service. If you receive this notice, contact customer service right away to discuss a payment plan or to make a payment before service is disconnected.
If you are having trouble paying your bill on time, the BWS offers a budget billing program that spreads your annual water costs evenly across 12 months. This can make your monthly payment more predictable. You can also request a payment arrangement if you need extra time to pay an overdue balance.
How to set up a payment plan for overdue bills
If you have an overdue balance and cannot pay it in full, contact BWS customer service at 748-3000 to discuss a payment arrangement. A representative will review your account and may offer a plan that lets you pay the balance over several months instead of all at once.
Payment arrangements typically require a down payment and then monthly installments. The exact terms depend on the size of your balance and your situation. You must keep up with the monthly payments on the arrangement or risk disconnection. If you fall behind on the arrangement, contact customer service again to see if the terms can be adjusted.
Some customers also may have access to for the Water Bill Assistance Program, which helps households with low income pay their water bills. This program is run through the City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services. You can learn more by calling 768-3406 or visiting the program's information page on the city website.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
Your account number is a nine-digit number printed on the front of your bill, usually near the top left. If you have lost your bill, you can find your account number by logging into your online account at hbws.org or by calling customer service at 748-3000.
When you call, have your service address ready. A representative will look up your account and provide your account number. You can then use this number to pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you set up an online account, you can save your account number for future reference.
Paying your bill if you live outside Hawaii
If you own property in Hawaii but live elsewhere, you can still pay your bill through any of the standard methods. Online payment and automatic payment work the same way regardless of where you are located. Phone payment is also available 24 hours a day.
For mail payments, use the mailing address on your bill. Mail from the mainland typically takes five to ten business days, so plan ahead to avoid late fees. If you prefer not to mail checks, setting up automatic payment or paying online is faster and more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your next bill if payment is not received by the due date. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, BWS sends a notice of intent to discontinue service. Contact customer service immediately if you receive this notice to arrange payment or set up a payment plan.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
The BWS does not accept credit card payments directly. You can pay with a debit card online, by phone, or in person. Some third-party payment processors may allow credit card payments, but they typically charge a convenience fee. Check the payment options on hbws.org for current details.
How long does it take for an online payment to post?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay close to your due date, the payment may not post in time to avoid a late fee. To be safe, submit online payments at least two business days before your due date.
Is there a way to lower my water bill?
The BWS offers a budget billing program that spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months, making your payment more predictable. You can also contact customer service to discuss your usage and learn about water conservation tips. Some households may also may have access to for the Water Bill Assistance Program through the City and County of Honolulu.
What if my bill seems too high?
Contact BWS customer service at 748-3000 to discuss your bill. A representative can review your usage history and check for leaks or meter issues. If there is an error on your bill, the BWS will correct it and adjust your account. If your usage is genuinely high, the representative can suggest conservation steps or discuss your payment options.