Where and how to pay your Baltimore City water bill
Baltimore City water bills are issued by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The fastest and most convenient method is online through the city's payment portal at baltimorecity.gov/water, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. There is no fee for online payments made directly through the city website.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the DPW customer service line at 410-396-5398 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Payment by phone typically processes within one business day.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, though mail payment takes longer — usually 7 to 10 days to reach the city and post to your account. In-person payments are accepted at the DPW office located at 200 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, during the same business hours as phone service.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at baltimorecity.gov/water with no fee, or call 410-396-5398 during business hours to pay by phone.
- Your bill shows your account number, service address, meter reading, and the charges broken down by water, sewer, and stormwater fees.
- Baltimore bills are issued quarterly (every three months), and payment is due 30 days from the bill date.
- If you miss a payment, the city may add a late fee and eventually shut off service, but you can request a payment plan before that happens.
- Low-income households may be may be able to access for the Water Assistance Program, which reduces bills based on household income.
Understanding the charges on your Baltimore water bill
A Baltimore City water bill contains three main charges: water service, sewer service, and stormwater management. The water charge is based on the amount of water you used, measured in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons. The rate per HCF varies slightly year to year but is set by the city council. Your meter reading shows how much water flowed through your meter during the billing period.
The sewer charge is typically based on your water usage — the city assumes that most water entering your home leaves through the sewer system. The stormwater fee is a flat or property-based charge that funds the city's stormwater management system. Some bills also show a trash and recycling fee if those services are billed together with water.
Your bill will also list any taxes, credits, or adjustments. If you have a meter dispute or believe your usage is unusually high, contact DPW customer service to request a meter test or to discuss your account.
Billing cycles and payment due dates
Baltimore City issues water bills quarterly — four times per year, roughly every three months. The exact dates depend on your meter's reading schedule, which is divided into four zones across the city. Your bill will show the service period (the dates your meter was read) and the bill date (when the bill was issued).
Payment is due 30 days from the bill date. This date is clearly marked on your bill. If you pay after this date, the city may add a late fee, typically around 10 percent of the unpaid balance, though the exact amount can vary. If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the city may issue a notice of intent to shut off service.
To avoid missed payments, you can set up automatic payments through the city's website or by calling customer service. Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around your due date.
What to do if you cannot pay your bill on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact DPW customer service as soon as possible — before your account becomes overdue. The city offers payment plans that allow you to spread your balance over several months. To set up a payment plan, call 410-396-5398 or visit the DPW office in person. You will need to explain your situation and propose a payment schedule that works for your budget.
Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion of the overdue balance immediately and the remainder in equal installments over 3 to 12 months, depending on the total amount owed. Once you agree to a plan, the city will not shut off service as long as you make the agreed payments on time.
If you fall behind on a payment plan, contact the city again to renegotiate. Shutoff is a last resort, but the city will pursue it if you ignore notices and do not respond to collection efforts.
The Water Assistance Program for low-income households
Baltimore City offers the Water Assistance Program for households that meet income limits. This program reduces your water and sewer bills based on your household income and family size. The discount can be substantial — some households receive a 50 percent reduction or more.
To learn whether you may be may be able to access and to request an application, contact the DPW at 410-396-5398 or visit baltimorecity.gov/water. You will need to provide proof of income (such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements) and proof of residency. The application process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Once you are enrolled, the discount is applied automatically to your quarterly bills. The program is ongoing — you do not have to reapply each quarter, though the city may ask you to verify your income periodically.
How to read your meter and spot billing errors
Your water meter measures usage in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). The meter dial shows a series of numbers; the city reads the numbers from left to right, ignoring the red dial (which measures partial units). To read your own meter, look at the black dials and write down the numbers you see, reading from left to right.
Compare your meter reading to the one on your bill. If the reading on your bill is much higher than your own reading, or if your usage has jumped dramatically from one quarter to the next, contact DPW to report a possible error. Common causes of high bills include a running toilet, a slow leak, or a meter malfunction. The city can perform a meter test at no charge if you suspect the meter is faulty.
If you find a billing error, report it within 30 days of the bill date. The city will investigate and adjust your bill if an error is confirmed. Keep copies of your own meter readings and photos of your meter for your records.
Service shutoff and how to restore service
The city will shut off water service if your bill remains unpaid for 60 days or more and you have not made arrangements with DPW. Before shutoff, you will receive written notice. If you receive a shutoff notice, contact DPW immediately — you may still be able to set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection.
If your service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a shutoff fee (typically around $50 to $100) and a reconnection fee (also around $50 to $100) to restore service. These fees are in addition to the original bill. Reconnection usually takes 1 to 3 business days after payment is received.
If you are experiencing hardship, ask DPW about emergency assistance or payment plan options before your account reaches shutoff status. The sooner you contact the city, the more options you will have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Baltimore water bill with a credit card?
The city's online payment portal accepts debit cards and bank account transfers at no fee. Credit card payments may be available through third-party payment processors, but these typically charge a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent. Check baltimorecity.gov/water to see which payment methods are currently offered.
Why is my water bill so high?
High bills are usually caused by a leak (running toilet, dripping faucet, or underground pipe leak), increased household usage, or a meter error. Check your meter reading against the bill, look for visible leaks, and call DPW if you suspect a meter problem. A meter test is free.
What happens if I ignore a shutoff notice?
The city will shut off your water service and charge you a reconnection fee on top of the overdue balance. Reconnection takes several business days. Contact DPW before the shutoff date to avoid this outcome.
How do I know if I am may be able to access for the Water Assistance Program?
Income limits vary by household size. Call 410-396-5398 to speak with a representative who can tell you whether your household may be may be able to access based on your income. You will need to provide proof of income and residency to apply.
Can I dispute a meter reading?
Yes. If you believe your meter is reading incorrectly, contact DPW and request a meter test. The test is free, and if the meter is faulty, the city will repair or replace it and adjust your bill for the overcharge.