Where to pay your Dallas water bill
The City of Dallas Water Utilities department accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at dallastx.gov/water, by phone at 214-671-2700, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Each method has different timing and fees, so the right choice depends on when your bill is due and how you prefer to handle it.
Online payment through the city website is the fastest and most common route. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a debit or credit card. The city processes online payments the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday. There is no fee for paying online with a debit card, but credit card payments carry a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent.
Phone payments go through an automated system or a customer service representative. Call 214-671-2700 and have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments also process the same business day if made before 5 p.m. on a weekday, and they carry the same credit card fee as online payments.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at dallastx.gov/water with a debit card has no fee and processes the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a weekday.
- Credit card payments online or by phone incur a processing fee of approximately 2.5 percent, so debit cards cost less.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- In-person payments at a city payment center are processed immediately, and you can pay with cash, check, or card without a credit card fee.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method except in-person cash payments.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to mail your payment, send it to the address printed on your bill. Dallas Water Utilities processes mail payments 7 to 10 business days after receipt, so the city recommends mailing at least two weeks before your due date. A late fee applies if the payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you mailed it.
Write your account number on the check or money order. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible, as it helps the city match the payment to your account faster. If you do not include the stub, the payment may be delayed while the city locates your account.
Paying in person at a Dallas payment center
The City of Dallas operates payment centers where you can pay your water bill immediately with cash, check, or debit card. In-person payments are processed on the spot, so there is no waiting period. You do not pay a processing fee for debit card payments at a payment center, which makes this route cheaper than paying by credit card online or by phone.
Payment centers are located at several city facilities across Dallas. The main location is at 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other locations and hours are listed on the city website. Bring your account number or your bill, and bring a valid ID if paying with a check.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. You can set up recurring payments through the city website by creating an online account and linking a bank account or debit card. The city will deduct your bill amount on a date you choose, typically a few days before the due date.
Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee. If you use a debit card for automatic payments, the same 2.5 percent processing fee applies. You can pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account, and you can change the payment date or amount before each billing cycle.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your water bill due date appears on the front of your bill. The city typically allows 20 days from the bill date before charging a late fee. If your payment is not received by 5 p.m. on the due date, a late fee is added to your account. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount, and the exact percentage varies depending on your account type.
If you pay after the due date, the late fee is still charged even if you pay within a few days. The only way to avoid the late fee is to have your payment received by the city on or before the due date. If you are unable to pay by the due date, contact Dallas Water Utilities at 214-671-2700 to discuss your options before the late fee is applied.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are having trouble paying your water bill, contact Dallas Water Utilities before your due date. The city has programs that may help, including payment plans that spread your bill over several months. A payment plan allows you to avoid a late fee and keep your service active while you catch up.
You can also ask about the city's low-income assistance programs. These programs are based on household income and may reduce your water bill or help you pay arrears. Call 214-671-2700 to ask about programs you may be able to use, or visit the city website to learn more about income-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by 5 p.m. on the due date. The fee is a percentage of your bill and will appear on your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, the city may suspend your water service after 30 days of non-payment.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes. You can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. In person, you can pay with cash or check without an account number, but you will need the property address. Call 214-671-2700 if you have questions about paying for a specific address.
Is there a fee for paying online with a debit card?
No. Debit card payments online have no fee. Credit card payments online or by phone carry a processing fee of about 2.5 percent. In-person debit card payments at a payment center also have no fee.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments processed before 5 p.m. on a weekday appear on your account the same business day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to appear.
What if I do not have an account number?
You can find your account number on your water bill. If you do not have a bill, call 214-671-2700 with your address and the city can provide it. For in-person payments, you can pay with cash using just your address instead of an account number.