Where to send your Baltimore water payment
Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) collects water and sewer payments. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment centers. The fastest route is online through the city's website, which processes payments immediately and gives you a confirmation number on the spot.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill — typically the Baltimore City DPW lockbox address. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the system, so send them early if your due date is coming up. Never send cash through the mail.
To pay by phone, call the DPW customer service line at 410-396-5398. You will need your account number (on your bill) and a debit or credit card. Payment by phone is processed the same day you call, but the city charges a convenience fee for this method.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city website is free and processes immediately, making it the fastest option if you have internet access.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Phone payments are processed the same day but include a convenience fee that does not apply to online or mail payments.
- In-person payment at a DPW payment center requires no fee and gives you a receipt immediately, but you must go during business hours.
- Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty plus interest, and accounts unpaid for 90 days may face service disconnection.
Reading your Baltimore water bill
Your bill shows three main charges: water usage, sewer service, and stormwater management. Water is metered — you pay for the gallons you use. Sewer and stormwater are fixed charges based on your property, not how much water you actually use. The bill also lists any previous balance you owe and the due date for this bill.
The meter reading appears on your bill and tells you how many gallons you consumed that billing period. One unit on a Baltimore water meter equals 100 gallons. If your meter reads 1,234 and last month it read 1,200, you used 3,400 gallons (34 units × 100). This number is what your water charge is based on.
Look for any adjustments or credits on your bill — these might be corrections from a previous overcharge, a leak adjustment, or a low-income discount if you are enrolled in a assistance program. If you do not recognize a charge, call DPW customer service before you pay to ask what it covers.
Setting up automatic payments and paperless billing
The city offers automatic payment through its online portal, which deducts your bill from a bank account on the due date each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees. You can set it up in minutes through the DPW website — you will need your account number and bank routing and account numbers.
Paperless billing means the city emails your bill instead of mailing it. This arrives several days earlier than a paper bill and lets you catch billing errors faster. You can switch to paperless in the same online portal where you set up autopay. Both options are free.
If you change your mind about autopay, you can cancel it anytime through the portal or by calling customer service. The cancellation takes effect on your next billing cycle, so if you cancel mid-month, your current bill will still be drafted automatically.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact DPW customer service before your due date if you know you cannot pay. The city does not offer formal payment plans, but speaking with them early can sometimes prevent a late fee from being added. Late fees are 10 percent of your unpaid balance, and interest accrues on top of that.
If you are struggling with water costs because of income, ask about the Utility Discount Program (UDP). This program reduces your water and sewer bills by 15 to 25 percent if you meet income limits. You must reapply each year. Contact DPW at 410-396-5398 to request an application or visit their website for the form.
If your account falls 90 days behind, DPW can shut off your water service. The city must give you written notice before disconnection, but the notice period is short. If you receive a disconnection notice, call immediately — even a partial payment or a commitment to pay can sometimes delay the shutoff while you arrange the rest.
Checking your account balance and payment history
Log into your account on the DPW website to see your current balance, due date, and past payments. This is the fastest way to confirm that a payment you sent has posted. The online portal shows payments made by all methods — online, phone, mail, and in person.
If you do not have online access, call 410-396-5398 and a representative can tell you your balance and the status of a recent payment. Have your account number ready. They can also email or mail you a statement if you need a record for your files.
Keep your own records of payments, especially if you pay by mail or phone. Write down the confirmation number or reference number you receive, and the date you paid. If a payment does not show up within two weeks of mailing it, call to check whether it was received.
Disputing a charge or reporting a leak
If your bill is much higher than usual, a leak is often the cause. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in your basement for visible water. A running toilet alone can add hundreds of gallons to your bill. If you find and fix a leak, call DPW to request a leak adjustment — the city may reduce your bill for the overage if you can show proof of the repair.
To dispute a charge or request a leak adjustment, call 410-396-5398 with your account number and an explanation of the issue. DPW will investigate and may send someone to read your meter or inspect your property. The process typically takes two to four weeks. Do not withhold payment while disputing — pay what you owe by the due date to avoid late fees, and the adjustment will be credited later if approved.
If you believe your meter is broken or reading incorrectly, DPW can test it. Request a meter test by phone or through your online account. There is no charge for the test if the meter is found to be faulty. If it is working correctly, you may be charged a fee for the service call, though this varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a payment?
A 10 percent late fee is added to your unpaid balance, plus interest. If your account remains unpaid for 90 days, DPW can disconnect your water service. You will receive a written notice before disconnection, but the notice period is short, so contact the city as soon as you realize you will be late.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of yours. The payment will be credited to their account. You do not need their permission, but it is a good idea to let them know you are paying so they do not think the bill is unpaid.
How do I know if my water meter is accurate?
If your bill is unusually high and you cannot find a leak, request a meter test by calling 410-396-5398. DPW will send someone to check whether the meter is working correctly. The test is free if the meter is faulty; if it is working properly, you may be charged a service fee.
Is there a discount for seniors or low-income households?
Yes, the Utility Discount Program reduces water and sewer bills by 15 to 25 percent for households that meet income limits. You must reapply each year. Call 410-396-5398 to request an application, or visit the DPW website to download the form and learn the current income thresholds.
What if I move out of Baltimore?
Contact DPW at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading and bill. Provide your forwarding address so the final bill is sent to you. You are responsible for all charges up to the date DPW confirms the meter reading, even if you have already moved out.