Where and how to pay Dallas Water Utilities
Dallas Water Utilities accepts payments through three main channels: online at dwu.org, by phone at 214-671-3444, or by mail to the address printed on your bill. Online payment is the fastest option and lets you see your balance immediately. Phone payment takes a few minutes and works during business hours Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. central time. Mail payment typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the office and post to your account, so send it early if your due date is approaching.
You can also pay in person at Dallas Water Utilities' customer service office at 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201, during the same business hours as phone payment. If you prefer automatic payments, you can set up a recurring monthly deduction from your bank account or credit card through the online portal — this removes the risk of forgetting a due date and usually avoids late fees.
Payment methods accepted online and by phone include debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. If you pay by mail, make checks payable to Dallas Water Utilities and include your account number on the check. Do not mail cash.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas Water Utilities bills are due on the date shown on your statement, and late fees apply if payment arrives after that date.
- Online payment at dwu.org is the fastest method and shows your balance right away without waiting for mail delivery.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments through your bank account to avoid missing a due date.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact Dallas Water Utilities before the deadline to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs.
- Your bill shows your water usage in gallons, the rate per gallon, and any additional fees such as sewer or stormwater charges.
Reading your Dallas Water bill
Your Dallas Water bill shows several pieces of information in a standard order. At the top, you will see your account number, service address, and the billing period (the dates the bill covers). Below that is your current balance due and the due date. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date, though you should check your specific bill to confirm.
The usage section shows how many gallons of water you used during the billing period, broken down by meter reading. Dallas Water charges a base fee (a fixed monthly charge) plus a per-gallon rate that varies depending on your usage tier. Higher usage typically costs more per gallon. Your bill will also list any additional charges: sewer service, stormwater management, or taxes. These are separate line items but are included in your total amount due.
If you have a leak or unusually high usage, your bill may include a notice or explanation. Check the back of your bill or the online portal for any messages from Dallas Water about your account.
Understanding Dallas Water's rate structure
Dallas Water uses a tiered rate system, meaning the price per gallon increases as you use more water. The first tier covers a baseline amount of water at a lower rate. Once you exceed that amount, the next tier kicks in at a higher rate. This structure encourages conservation because using less water costs less per gallon.
The exact tier thresholds and rates change periodically — Dallas Water updates rates roughly every two years. You can find the current rates on the Dallas Water Utilities website under "Rates and Charges." Your bill will also show which tier you fell into during that billing period. If your usage jumped unexpectedly, check whether you crossed into a higher tier, or investigate whether you have a leak.
Sewer charges are usually calculated based on your water usage, since the water you use typically ends up in the sewer system. Stormwater fees may be a flat charge or based on the size of your property. These are separate from the water charge itself but appear on the same bill.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact Dallas Water Utilities before the deadline. Call 214-671-3444 during business hours or use the online portal to send a message. Explaining your situation before the due date gives you a better chance of working out a payment plan than waiting until after a late fee is applied.
Dallas Water may offer a deferred payment arrangement that spreads your balance over several months. The terms depend on the amount owed and your account history. Late fees typically range from a percentage of the unpaid balance plus a flat fee, so avoiding them by arranging a plan ahead of time saves money.
If you are facing a hardship, ask about the Utility Assistance Program. This program is separate from Dallas Water itself and is run through the City of Dallas. You can reach it through 211 Texas (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org) to learn whether you meet the income and circumstance requirements. The program may help with past-due balances, not just future bills.
How to lower your water bill
The easiest way to lower your bill is to reduce water usage. Check for leaks first: a running toilet or dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons per month without you noticing. Listen for water running when no one is using it, or check your meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter moved, you have a leak.
Common water-saving steps include installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators (inexpensive hardware store items), fixing leaks promptly, and running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers. Outdoor watering accounts for a large share of residential water use, so reducing lawn irrigation or switching to drought-tolerant plants can make a noticeable difference on your bill.
Dallas Water does not currently offer rebates for water-saving fixtures, but the City of Dallas sometimes runs conservation programs. Check the Dallas Water website or call 214-671-3444 to ask whether any rebates or incentives are available when you are planning upgrades.
Disputing a charge or reporting a problem
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact Dallas Water Utilities with your account number and the specific charge you are questioning. You can call 214-671-3444, visit the office in person, or use the online portal. Have your bill in front of you and be ready to explain what seems wrong — for example, a sudden spike in usage or a charge you do not recognize.
Dallas Water will investigate by checking your meter reading and usage history. If the meter is faulty, they may adjust your bill or offer a credit. If the usage is accurate but unexpectedly high, they will help you identify whether you have a leak or whether the increase is due to seasonal factors (such as summer watering).
If you have a service problem — no water pressure, discolored water, or a broken meter — report it to Dallas Water immediately. These are separate from billing disputes and may require a technician visit. Call 214-671-3444 or use the online portal to report service issues.
Setting up automatic payments and account notifications
The Dallas Water online portal at dwu.org lets you set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account or credit card. Once you enroll, the payment is deducted on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. This removes the risk of late fees and saves you time each month.
You can also sign up for email or text notifications when your bill is ready, when payment is due, or when your balance changes. These reminders help you stay on top of your account without having to log in manually. You can manage notification preferences in the online portal under account settings.
If you lose access to your online account or forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You will need your account number and the phone number or email address on file. If you cannot recover your account, call customer service at 214-671-3444 and they can reset it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not pay my water bill?
Late fees are added to your balance after the due date. If your account remains unpaid for 30 to 60 days (the exact timeline varies), Dallas Water may shut off your water service. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card without a fee?
Dallas Water accepts credit cards online and by phone, but a processing fee applies — usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Paying by debit card or bank transfer does not incur this fee. If the fee is a concern, use a bank transfer or mail a check instead.
How do I read my meter to check for a leak?
Your water meter is usually located in the front of your property near the street, in a small box or vault. Open the cover and write down the number shown on the meter dial. Wait two hours without using any water, then check the meter again. If the number changed, you have a leak. Report it to Dallas Water at 214-671-3444.
Why did my water bill spike suddenly?
A sudden increase usually means a leak, a change in usage (such as more outdoor watering), or a meter reading error. Check for leaks first by testing your meter as described above. If you find no leak and usage is normal, contact Dallas Water to ask whether the meter was read correctly or whether there was a billing error.
Is there a senior or low-income discount on water bills?
Dallas Water does not offer a direct discount, but the City of Dallas Utility Assistance Program may help with bills if you meet income requirements. Contact 211 Texas at 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to learn more about this program and whether you are may be able to access.