Where to pay your Anne Arundel County water bill
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works handles water billing for most of the county. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through their bill portal, which processes immediately and requires only your account number and a valid payment method.
Online payment through the county's website lets you pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. You do not need to create an account — you can make a one-time payment using just your account number, which appears on your bill. Phone payment is also available; the county accepts payments over the phone during business hours. Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill, and in-person payments can be made at the Department of Public Works office in Annapolis during regular business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works website is the fastest option and processes the same day.
- Your account number, printed on your water bill, is all you need to make a one-time online or phone payment.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the county, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- The county offers budget billing plans that spread your annual water costs into equal monthly payments, which you can set up by calling their office.
How to find your account number and due date
Your water bill is mailed to you monthly and shows your account number in the upper right corner or top left, depending on the bill format. The due date is clearly marked on the front of the bill, usually 20 to 30 days from the billing date. If you cannot find your physical bill, you can look up your account online through the county's website by entering your address or account number.
Keep your bill in a safe place until you pay it, because you will need the account number for any payment method. If you lose your bill, do not wait to pay — call the Department of Public Works directly and they can provide your account number and current balance over the phone.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the county will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount — check your bill or call the county for the exact fee structure. Late fees are added to your next bill.
If you are more than 30 days late, the county may send a notice of intent to shut off service. Water shutoff is a serious consequence, and reconnection requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Public Works immediately to discuss a payment plan or other options before service is disconnected.
Setting up automatic payments or budget billing
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Through the county's online portal, you can set up recurring payments from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This option is free and can be cancelled at any time if your circumstances change.
Budget billing is a separate program that divides your expected annual water costs into 12 equal monthly payments. This smooths out seasonal variations — summer months typically use more water for outdoor use, while winter months use less. To set up budget billing, call the Department of Public Works directly. They will calculate your average monthly cost based on your usage history and adjust your payment amount once a year.
Understanding your water bill charges
Your bill includes several components: the base service charge, water usage charges, and sometimes stormwater or sewer fees depending on your property type. The base service charge is a fixed monthly amount that covers meter reading and system maintenance. Water usage is measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF), and you pay a rate per unit based on how much water you used that month.
Some bills also include stormwater management fees if your property contributes runoff to county systems, or sewer charges if you are connected to the public sewer system. These are separate line items on your bill. If you see a charge you do not recognize, call the county before paying — they can explain what each charge covers and whether it applies to your account.
Disputing a charge or reporting a problem
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the Department of Public Works with your account number and the specific charge in question. Common issues include meter errors, billing for a period when you were away, or charges that seem unusually high. The county can review your account history and meter readings to investigate.
If you suspect a water leak on your property, report it to the county as well. A sudden spike in your bill is often the first sign of a leak. The county can sometimes adjust your bill if a leak is confirmed and repaired, though policies vary. Do not ignore an unusually high bill — contact the county within 30 days of receiving it to have the best chance of resolving the issue.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Online (debit/credit card or bank account) | Same day | When you need to pay quickly or prefer not to call |
| Phone payment | Same day | When you prefer speaking to someone or do not have internet access |
| 7 to 10 business days | Only if you have time before the due date; not recommended for urgent payments | |
| In-person at county office | Same day | When you want to pay cash or have questions about your account |
| Automatic bank draft | Same day each month | When you want to avoid thinking about the bill each month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the county's online portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Credit card payments may include a small processing fee depending on the payment processor, so check before you submit. This fee is separate from your water bill.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my account?
Online payments typically appear within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you have not received a confirmation email, contact the Department of Public Works with your confirmation number. Keep your payment confirmation email until the charge appears on your account.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount?
Contact the Department of Public Works directly to discuss your situation. The county may be able to work out a payment arrangement to prevent service shutoff, though this depends on your account history and the amount owed. Call before your account becomes severely delinquent.
How do I know if my water bill includes sewer charges?
Your bill will have separate line items for water usage and sewer service if both apply to your property. Not all Anne Arundel County properties are connected to public sewer — some use septic systems. Check your bill or call the county if you are unsure whether you are responsible for sewer charges.
What is the mailing address for sending a check?
The mailing address for payments is printed on your water bill. Do not mail payments to the county's main office address unless your bill specifically directs you there — use the address shown on your statement to ensure your payment reaches the billing department quickly.