Philadelphia Water Department's online payment portal is the fastest way to pay your bill without visiting an office or mailing a check
The Philadelphia Water Department runs a website where you can pay your bill immediately using a bank account or debit card. You do not need to create an account in advance — you can pay as a guest using your account number from your bill. The payment goes through right away, though it may take one to two business days to show on your account.
The portal is open 24 hours a day. You can pay from a computer, tablet, or phone. If you prefer not to use the website, the Water Department also accepts payments by phone and automatic bank transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Go to water.phila.gov and select "Pay Your Bill" to reach the payment portal without creating a login.
- Have your account number ready — it appears on your bill and is the fastest way to find your account.
- Payments by debit or bank account process immediately, though they may take one to two business days to post to your account.
- Set up automatic monthly payments through the same portal if you want to stop paying each month manually.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact the Water Department about payment plans before your bill becomes overdue.
Steps to pay online through the Water Department website
Go to water.phila.gov. Look for the "Pay Your Bill" button, usually on the homepage or in the main menu. Click it to reach the payment portal.
Enter your account number. You can find this on your water bill — it is a nine-digit number. The portal will pull up your account and show your current balance. If you do not have your bill, you can search by your service address instead, though this takes longer.
Choose how much to pay. You can pay your full balance, a partial amount, or a specific dollar figure. Enter the amount and move to the next screen.
Select your payment method. The portal accepts debit cards and bank accounts (checking or savings). Enter the card or account details. You will also enter a billing address and email address so the Water Department can send you a receipt.
Review the details and confirm. The payment processes immediately. You will see a confirmation number on screen and receive a receipt by email. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
If you pay the same amount each month or want to stop remembering to pay, you can set up automatic payments through the same portal. This is called AutoPay or recurring payment, depending on the system.
Go to water.phila.gov and select "Pay Your Bill." Look for an option that says "Set Up Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payment." Enter your account number, choose the amount you want to pay each month, and provide your bank account or debit card details.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back into the portal or calling the Water Department's billing line. Automatic payments come out on the same day each month, usually around the due date on your bill.
Paying by phone or mail if you cannot use the website
If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by phone, call the Water Department's billing line at 215-685-6300. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. This service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also mail a check to the address on your bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed under "Make Checks Payable To." Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the Water Department and post to your account, so mail early if your due date is soon.
A third option is to pay in person at a Water Department office. The main office is at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your bill or account number and cash, check, or debit card.
What to do if your payment does not show up right away
Online payments process immediately, but they may take one to two business days to appear on your account. This is normal. If you see the confirmation number on screen and received an email receipt, your payment went through — it is just waiting to post.
If more than two business days have passed and the payment still does not show, or if you did not receive a confirmation number, contact the Water Department at 215-685-6300. Have your confirmation number ready if you have it. A representative can look up the payment in the system and tell you the status.
Do not make a second payment if the first one is still pending. Wait for it to post first. Making duplicate payments can create a credit on your account that you will have to request back.
Understanding late fees and what happens if you cannot pay
If your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your bill, the Water Department adds a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your unpaid balance. Late fees add up quickly, so paying even a partial amount before the due date can save you money.
If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the Water Department before the due date. They offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. Call 215-685-6300 to ask about a plan. You will need to provide information about your income and household size.
The Water Department also has programs for low-income households that may reduce your bill or help with overdue amounts. Ask about the Tiered Assistance Program or the Customer Assistance Program when you call. These are separate from payment plans and may cover part of your bill permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay online?
No. The Water Department does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website at water.phila.gov. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee, so always use the Water Department's own portal to avoid extra costs.
Can I pay someone else's water bill online?
Yes, if you have their account number. Enter their account number in the portal instead of your own, and the payment will go to their account. You do not need their permission to pay, but you will need their account number to find their account.
What if I pay online but my water gets shut off?
Contact the Water Department immediately at 215-685-6300. If your payment was recent and has not posted yet, they may be able to stop a shutoff notice. If your account was already shut off, you will need to pay a reconnection fee in addition to your bill balance to have service restored.
Can I get a receipt for my online payment?
Yes. You receive an email receipt automatically after you pay. The receipt includes your confirmation number, the amount paid, and the date. Save this email in case you need to prove you paid. You can also log into the portal and view your payment history.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact the Water Department's customer service line at 215-685-6300 before you pay. Explain what you believe is wrong with the charge. They can investigate and adjust your bill if there is an error. Do not refuse to pay — instead, ask about a payment plan while the dispute is being reviewed.