Where to pay your WSSC water bill

WSSC Water (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) serves about 1.9 million people across Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is usually online at wsscwater.org, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card without creating an account.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call WSSC Water's customer service line at 301-206-4600 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. Payment by phone takes a few minutes and the payment posts within one business day. You can also mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill — allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach them and post to your account.

For in-person payment, WSSC Water operates payment centers in Hyattsville and Largo during business hours. You can pay with cash, check, or card at these locations. The Hyattsville center is at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, and the Largo center is at 14305 Solomons Island Road. Call 301-206-4600 to confirm hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at wsscwater.org without creating an account, and the payment posts the same day or next business day.
  • Phone payment at 301-206-4600 takes a few minutes and works with debit or credit cards.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
  • WSSC Water operates two in-person payment centers in Hyattsville and Largo if you prefer to pay with cash.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want your bill paid on the same day each month without logging in, WSSC Water offers automatic bank draft through their website. You provide your bank account number and routing number, choose a payment date between the 1st and the 28th of each month, and the payment withdraws automatically. This method is free and takes about 5 to 7 business days to set up after you request it.

Automatic payment is useful if you have a consistent monthly bill and want to avoid late fees. You can change or cancel the automatic payment at any time through your online account. If your bill varies significantly month to month (which is common during summer cooling season), you may want to review the amount before it withdraws, or stick with manual payment so you can adjust.

Understanding your bill due date and late fees

Your WSSC Water bill shows a due date printed near the top or bottom of the bill. Payment is due by 5 p.m. on that date. If you pay online or by phone, the payment must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the due date for it to count as on-time. If you mail a check, it must be postmarked by the due date, though it may not arrive for several days after.

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, WSSC Water charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount and is shown on your bill. A second late fee applies if the bill remains unpaid 30 days after the due date. To avoid late fees, submit online or phone payments by 5 p.m. on the due date, or mail checks at least 10 days before the due date.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact WSSC Water at 301-206-4600 to discuss a payment plan. They may be able to set up a schedule that spreads the payment over several months, though you will still owe any late fees that have already been charged.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you are struggling to pay your water bill, WSSC Water has a Customer Assistance Program that may reduce your bill based on your household income. The program is available to customers whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty line. You will need to provide proof of income (such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits letter) and complete an application.

To learn about the Customer Assistance Program or to request an application, call WSSC Water at 301-206-4600 and ask to speak with someone in customer assistance. You can also visit wsscwater.org and look for the assistance program information. Processing takes several weeks, so apply as soon as you know you need help rather than waiting until your bill is past due.

If your service has been shut off due to non-payment, you can request reconnection by paying the outstanding balance plus any reconnection fee. WSSC Water typically reconnects within 24 hours of receiving payment during business hours, though it may take longer on weekends or holidays.

Reading your WSSC Water bill

Your WSSC Water bill shows several pieces of information you should know. At the top is your account number and service address. Below that is your billing period — the dates your meter was read — and the due date for payment. The bill then shows your water usage in gallons, your sewer charge (if applicable), and any other fees or credits.

The total amount due is printed prominently near the top or bottom of the bill. If you have a balance from a previous month that was not paid, it will be added to your current charges. Your bill also shows the meter reading from this month and the previous month, so you can see how much water you used. If the usage seems unusually high, check for leaks in your home or contact WSSC Water to request a meter check.

Some bills include a notice about rate changes or service updates. WSSC Water raises rates periodically to cover infrastructure costs, so your bill may increase year to year. You can find information about current rates and any planned increases on their website.

Paying online without an account

The easiest way to pay a one-time bill is to visit wsscwater.org, click the payment option, and enter your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. You do not need to create a username or password. You will be asked for your bank account number or debit card information, and the payment will process immediately.

Online payments are free and post within one business day. If you pay before 5 p.m. on your due date, the payment counts as on-time. Keep the confirmation number that appears after you submit payment — it serves as your receipt if you need to dispute the payment later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my payment to show up on my bill?

Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. Automatic bank draft withdraws on the date you choose and posts within 1 to 2 business days. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, use online or phone payment.

Can I pay my WSSC Water bill with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card online at wsscwater.org or by phone at 301-206-4600. There is no fee for debit card payments, but WSSC Water may charge a small fee for credit card payments — check their website or ask when you call.

What happens if I pay late?

WSSC Water charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date. A second late fee applies 30 days after the due date. If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days, your water service may be shut off. Contact them immediately if you think your payment was late to discuss options.

Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large amount?

Yes. Call WSSC Water at 301-206-4600 and explain your situation. They can set up a payment plan that spreads the balance over several months. Late fees that have already been charged will still apply, but a plan can help you avoid service shutoff while you catch up.

Is there a way to lower my water bill if my income is low?

WSSC Water's Customer Assistance Program reduces bills for households earning below 200% of the federal poverty line. Call 301-206-4600 to request an application. You will need to provide proof of income, and processing takes several weeks.