Where to send your payment
Philadelphia's water bills are issued by the Philadelphia Water Department, and you can pay them through several channels. The department accepts payments online, by phone, by mail, and in person at their office.
The official website is phila.gov/water. From there, you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. If you prefer to call, the customer service line is 215-685-6300. They can answer questions about your bill and process payments over the phone using a debit or credit card.
For mailed payments, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send it early if your due date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at phila.gov/water, by phone at 215-685-6300, by mail, or in person at the Water Department office.
- Online and phone payments process immediately, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to clear.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents missed due dates and late fees.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the Water Department about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Online payment and automatic enrollment
The fastest way to pay is through the Philadelphia Water Department's online portal. Visit phila.gov/water and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a debit or credit card.
Online payments process the same day if you submit them before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. on business days. You can also set up automatic monthly payments so the same amount withdraws from your account on the same date each month. This prevents accidental late payments and the 1.5% monthly penalty that applies to overdue balances.
If you do not have internet access, you can still enroll in automatic payments by calling 215-685-6300 and speaking with a representative. They will take your banking information over the phone and set up the recurring payment for you.
Phone and in-person payment options
Calling 215-685-6300 allows you to pay immediately using a debit or credit card. A representative will verify your account and process the payment while you are on the line. This method works well if you have questions about your bill or want to discuss payment options before paying.
You can also pay in person at the Philadelphia Water Department office, located at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Hours vary, so call ahead to confirm they are open. In-person payments are processed immediately and you receive a receipt on the spot.
Mailed payment and timing
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, write your account number on the back of the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. The Water Department processes mailed payments within 7 to 10 business days of receipt, so the payment date on their records is when they receive it, not when you mail it.
Send mailed payments at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees. If your due date is within 10 days, use online payment, phone payment, or in-person payment instead to ensure it arrives on time.
Late fees and what happens if you miss a payment
Philadelphia Water Department charges a 1.5% monthly penalty on any balance that remains unpaid after the due date. This penalty compounds monthly, so a bill that stays unpaid for several months grows quickly.
If your bill stays unpaid for 60 days, the Water Department may shut off your water service. Before that happens, they send notices warning you of the disconnection. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the Water Department immediately to discuss a payment plan or hardship options.
Once service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection typically takes 24 to 48 hours after payment is received.
Payment plans and hardship assistance
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, the Water Department offers payment plans that spread the cost over several months. You must request a plan before your account becomes delinquent. Call 215-685-6300 and explain your situation to a representative.
Philadelphia also runs the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP), which reduces water bills for low-income households. may be able to access is based on household income. You can learn more about TAP by calling 215-685-6300 or visiting phila.gov/water.
If you are facing hardship, reach out before you miss a payment. The Water Department is more likely to work with you if you contact them proactively rather than waiting until your service is threatened.
Reading your bill and understanding charges
Your Philadelphia water bill shows your account number, the billing period, the amount due, and the due date. It also breaks down charges: water usage (measured in hundreds of gallons), sewer service, and stormwater fees. Some bills include a base charge that applies even if you use no water.
The bill shows your current usage compared to the same period last year, which helps you spot unusual spikes. If your usage jumps unexpectedly, you may have a leak. Contact the Water Department to report a suspected leak or request an investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A 1.5% monthly penalty is added to your balance. This penalty compounds each month the bill remains unpaid. After 60 days of non-payment, the Water Department can shut off your service. You must pay the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee to restore water.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount?
Yes. Call 215-685-6300 before your account becomes delinquent and ask about a payment plan. The Water Department works with customers to arrange monthly installments. Contacting them before you miss a payment gives you more options.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments process the same day if submitted before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. on business days. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. If you need the payment to post immediately, use online or phone payment.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Call 215-685-6300 and describe the issue. The Water Department can review your account history and usage. If you suspect a leak, they may send someone to inspect your meter or pipes. Do not ignore a bill you believe is incorrect — contact them to dispute it.
Is there help available if I cannot afford my water bill?
The Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) reduces water bills for households below certain income thresholds. Call 215-685-6300 to learn if you may be may be able to access and how to apply. The Water Department also offers payment plans for customers facing temporary hardship.