Where to pay your City of Austin water, wastewater, and stormwater bill
The City of Austin offers several ways to pay your utility bill, and the fastest route depends on whether you want to pay right now or set up automatic payments. You can pay online through the city's official portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment locations around Austin. Most people use the online option because it takes about five minutes and you see confirmation immediately.
The city's billing system covers water, wastewater, and stormwater charges on a single bill. Your account number appears on the bill itself — you'll need it to pay online or by phone. If you've lost your bill, you can look up your account on the city's website using your service address.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at austintexas.gov/my-austin-water by entering your account number and the amount due, with no fee for standard processing.
- Set up autopay through your bank or the city's portal to avoid late payments, and the city will deduct the full bill amount on your due date each month.
- Phone payments go through a third-party processor that charges a fee, so use this method only if you cannot pay online or by mail.
- Mail payments should arrive at least five business days before your due date, and you must include your account number on the check or money order.
- Late payments trigger a 1.5 percent monthly penalty on the unpaid balance, so paying by the due date matters even if you pay a few days late.
Paying online through the City of Austin portal
Go to austintexas.gov/my-austin-water and select "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment." You do not need to create an account — you can pay as a guest. Enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. The city accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. There is no fee for online payments processed through the city's system.
After you submit your payment, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The payment typically posts to your account within one business day. If you pay before your due date, the city will credit the payment immediately; if you pay after the due date, a late fee and penalty interest will already be on your account.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Autopay is the easiest way to ensure you never miss a payment. You can set it up through the city's website or through your own bank's bill pay service. If you use the city's autopay option, log into My Austin Water, go to "Autopay," and link a bank account or card. The city will deduct your full bill amount on the due date each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through the same portal.
If you set up autopay through your bank instead, your bank sends a check or electronic transfer to the city on the date you choose. This method works well if you prefer to manage all your bills in one place. Either way, keep your account number handy — you'll need it to set up the payment.
Paying by phone or through a third-party processor
You can pay by phone by calling the city's automated payment line at 512-974-2000. Have your account number and payment method ready. A third-party processor handles phone payments and charges a fee — the exact amount depends on your payment method and is shown before you confirm. This fee is separate from your bill and goes to the processor, not the city.
Phone payments are useful if you're away from a computer or need to pay outside business hours. The payment posts within one business day, just like online payments. If you have questions about your account before paying, you can speak to a customer service representative during business hours instead of using the automated line.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The city's mailing address is typically listed in the payment section of your bill. Mail your payment at least five business days before your due date to make sure it arrives on time. Payments received after the due date will incur a late fee and 1.5 percent monthly penalty interest on the unpaid balance.
Keep a copy of your check or the money order receipt for your records. If you're concerned about whether your payment arrived, you can check your account status online through My Austin Water a few days after you mail it.
In-person payment locations in Austin
The City of Austin accepts in-person payments at several locations during business hours. The main payment location is the Austin Water Utility Customer Service Center, located at 1 Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Call 512-974-2000 to confirm hours before you go, as they vary by season and may change.
Some City of Austin facilities and partner locations also accept payments, though not all locations are open every day. Paying in person is useful if you prefer to handle things face-to-face or if you need to discuss your bill with a representative at the same time.
What happens if you pay late or miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, the city charges a late fee. More importantly, unpaid balances accrue a 1.5 percent monthly penalty on top of the original charges. This penalty compounds each month, so a bill that is 60 days overdue costs significantly more than the original amount due.
If your account stays unpaid for several months, the city may place a lien on your property or shut off your water service. If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Austin Water Customer Service at 512-974-2000 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. The city sometimes offers extended payment arrangements for customers facing financial difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's Austin Water bill online?
Yes, you can pay another account as long as you have the account number. Go to My Austin Water, select "Pay My Bill," and enter the account number you want to pay. You do not need to be the account holder, but you will need the account number to process the payment.
What if my payment was rejected online?
Check that your account number is correct and that your card or bank account has sufficient funds. If the payment was rejected, try again or use a different payment method. If the problem continues, call 512-974-2000 to speak with a representative who can troubleshoot the issue.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay before your due date, the credit appears immediately in your account balance. If you pay after the due date, the late fee will already be on your account, though the payment will still be recorded.
Is there a fee for paying online through the City of Austin website?
No, there is no fee when you pay through austintexas.gov/my-austin-water. Phone payments and some third-party payment services charge fees, but the city's online portal does not.
What should I do if I cannot afford my full bill this month?
Contact Austin Water Customer Service at 512-974-2000 to discuss your situation. The city may offer a payment plan that spreads your bill over several months, or you may be able to access hardship assistance programs. Calling before your bill becomes overdue gives you more options than waiting.