The three ways to pay Philadelphia Water Department
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) accepts payments through three main channels: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. Each method reaches the same account and posts to your bill within the same timeframe, so you can choose based on what works for your schedule and comfort level.
The fastest route is online at phillywater.org. You can pay immediately without waiting for a check to arrive, and you'll see confirmation right away. Phone payments go through an automated system or a representative, and mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, depending on mail delivery and processing time at PWD's office.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at phillywater.org using your account number from your bill, a debit card, or bank account information.
- Phone payments are available 24/7 through PWD's automated system or by speaking to a representative during business hours.
- Mailed checks should include your account number and be sent to the address printed on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for posting.
- Set up automatic payments through your bank or PWD's website to avoid late fees and ensure your bill is paid on time each month.
- Late fees begin 30 days after the due date shown on your bill, so paying before that date keeps your account in good standing.
Paying online through the PWD website
Go to phillywater.org and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. The site accepts debit cards, credit cards, and direct bank transfers (ACH payments).
When you enter your payment information, the system will show you the amount due and the date the payment will post. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee that PWD discloses before you confirm. Bank account payments typically have no fee. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately; save or print this for your records.
Paying by phone
Call PWD's automated payment line at 215-685-6300 to pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your account number and debit or credit card ready. The system will walk you through the payment step by step and give you a confirmation number at the end.
If you prefer to speak with a representative, call the same number during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and ask to be transferred to the billing department. A representative can answer questions about your bill, discuss payment plans if you're behind, or process a payment over the phone.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to "Philadelphia Water Department." Write your account number on the front of the check. Include the payment stub from your bill if you have it, or write your account number and the amount on a separate piece of paper inside the envelope.
Mail to the address printed on your bill statement. PWD's mailing address is typically listed as Philadelphia Water Department, P.O. Box 32548, Philadelphia, PA 19132, but confirm this on your current bill because addresses can change. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and be processed. If you're paying close to the due date, mail may not arrive in time to avoid a late fee, so consider online or phone payment instead.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and help you avoid late fees. You can set this up through PWD's website or through your own bank's bill-pay service.
On the PWD website, look for an "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" option in the payment section. You'll provide your bank account information and choose whether to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. PWD will deduct the payment a few days before the due date.
Alternatively, use your bank's bill-pay feature by logging into your online banking account, selecting "Add a Payee," and entering PWD's mailing address. Your bank will send a check on the schedule you choose. This method gives you control over the exact payment date and amount.
Understanding due dates and late fees
Your bill shows a due date, typically 20 to 30 days from the bill date. Payment is considered on time if it posts to your account by that date. Late fees begin 30 days after the due date, so there is a grace period, but waiting that long risks your account status and may trigger a notice.
If you miss a payment, PWD will send a notice. If you continue to miss payments, PWD may shut off your water service. If you're having trouble paying, contact PWD's billing department at 215-685-6300 to discuss a payment plan or hardship options before your account falls too far behind.
What to do if your payment doesn't post
If you paid online or by phone and received a confirmation number, the payment is in the system. Online and phone payments typically post within 1 to 3 business days. If more than 3 business days have passed and you don't see the payment on your account, log back into the website or call 215-685-6300 to confirm it was received.
For mailed checks, if 10 business days have passed and the payment hasn't posted, call PWD's billing department with your check number and the amount. They can search their records to locate it. If the check was lost in the mail, PWD may ask you to stop payment on the original check and send a new one, or make a payment through another method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Philadelphia Water bill through a third-party payment app?
PWD does not partner with third-party payment apps like Venmo or PayPal. Pay directly through phillywater.org, by phone at 215-685-6300, or by mailing a check. Using an unofficial app risks your payment not reaching PWD and your account being marked late.
What happens if I pay late?
Late fees begin 30 days after your due date. If you continue to miss payments, PWD will send a shut-off notice. Water service can be disconnected if your account remains unpaid. Contact PWD immediately if you fall behind to discuss a payment arrangement.
Is there a fee to pay online or by phone?
PWD does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website or for phone payments through their automated system. Credit card payments may include a processing fee that PWD discloses before you confirm. Bank account (ACH) payments have no fee.
Can I change my due date?
PWD assigns due dates based on your meter reading schedule. You cannot change your due date, but you can set up automatic payments to post on any date you choose, as long as it's before the due date shown on your bill.
What if I'm on a fixed income and can't afford my full bill?
Contact PWD's billing department at 215-685-6300 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. PWD may allow you to spread payments over several months or may have programs for low-income households. Reach out before your account falls behind to explore your options.