Where to send your payment
The City of Philadelphia's Water Department sends bills to your address on file. You can pay that bill in three ways: online through the city's website, by mail, or in person at a payment center.
To pay online, go to water.phila.gov and look for the "Pay Your Bill" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Online payments typically post within one business day and cost nothing extra.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. The Water Department processes mailed payments more slowly — allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach them and post to your account. Do not mail cash.
To pay in person, visit a Water Department payment center. The main office is at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Hours and additional locations change, so call 215-685-6300 before you go, or check the city website for the current list.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through water.phila.gov is the fastest method and posts within one business day at no extra cost.
- Mailed payments take at least 10 business days to post, so send them early if your bill is due soon.
- Your account number on the bill is required for any payment method.
- The Water Department's main payment center is at 1101 Market Street, but call 215-685-6300 to confirm hours before visiting.
- If your bill is overdue, contact the Water Department immediately to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs.
What happens if you miss a due date
Water bills in Philadelphia are typically due 30 days after the bill date. If payment does not arrive by that date, the Water Department adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill balance.
After a bill is significantly overdue, the city may shut off your water service. The Water Department must send you a notice before disconnection, but that notice window is short. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Water Department immediately at 215-685-6300 to discuss a payment plan or other options.
Once water service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection can take several days to schedule.
Setting up automatic payments
You can arrange for automatic monthly payments through the city's online portal. This prevents missed due dates and removes the need to remember to pay each month. Set up automatic payments on water.phila.gov by entering your bank account or card information.
Automatic payments deduct money on or shortly after your bill date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If you cancel, you return to manual payment — the city will not send you reminders.
Understanding your bill amount
Philadelphia water bills include charges for water consumption, sewer service, and stormwater management. The consumption charge is based on how much water your meter recorded during the billing period. Sewer and stormwater charges are typically fixed amounts that do not change month to month unless the city adjusts its rates.
Your bill shows the meter reading from the start and end of the billing period. If your bill seems unusually high, check for a leak — a running toilet or dripping pipe can add hundreds of gallons to your usage. If you think your meter is broken or your bill is wrong, call 215-685-6300 to request a meter inspection or billing review.
The city adjusts water rates periodically. Rate changes are announced in advance and appear on your bill with an explanation. You cannot control the rate itself, but you can reduce your consumption by fixing leaks and using water efficiently.
Payment plans and hardship programs
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, the Water Department offers payment plans. A payment plan spreads your balance over several months in smaller installments. To set up a plan, call 215-685-6300 and speak with a representative. You will need to provide information about your income and expenses so the department can determine what monthly amount you can afford.
Philadelphia also has a Tiered Assistance Program that reduces water bills for low-income households. The program is based on your household income and size. You must apply separately — the city does not enroll you automatically. Contact the Water Department at 215-685-6300 to request an application or visit water.phila.gov for more information about income limits and the application process.
If you are facing disconnection, mention this when you call. The Water Department may prioritize your case and work with you on immediate payment options to prevent service loss.
Checking your account online
Log into your account on water.phila.gov to view your current balance, payment history, and upcoming due dates. The online portal shows when payments posted and how much you paid. You can also download past bills from this portal if you need them for records or to dispute a charge.
If you do not have an online account yet, create one on the Water Department website. You will need your account number and either your service address or phone number. Once you set up an account, you can check your balance anytime without calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill by phone?
The Water Department does not currently accept phone payments directly. You must pay online, by mail, or in person. If you need help paying online, call 215-685-6300 and a representative can walk you through the process or discuss payment plan options.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and your payment is not showing in your account, log back into water.phila.gov and check your payment history to confirm the payment went through. If it shows as processed but your balance has not changed, call 215-685-6300 with your confirmation number.
Do I need to pay if my water is shut off?
Yes. To restore water service after disconnection, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee. The Water Department will not turn your water back on until that full amount is received. If you cannot pay the full amount, call immediately to discuss a payment plan before disconnection occurs.
How do I know if I am low-income enough for the Tiered Assistance Program?
Income limits for the program change yearly and depend on household size. Call 215-685-6300 or visit water.phila.gov to find the current limits and request an application. You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, when you apply.
Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?
Yes. If you believe your bill is wrong or your meter is faulty, call 215-685-6300 to request a meter inspection or billing review. The Water Department will investigate and adjust your bill if an error is found. Keep records of your complaint in case you need to follow up.