How to access your SAWS account and pay online
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) lets you log in to your account through their website to view your bill and make a payment. You'll need your account number (found on your paper bill) and a password you create during registration. Once you're logged in, you can pay immediately using a bank account or debit card, or set up automatic payments so the bill comes out on a schedule you choose.
The login page is at the main SAWS website. If you don't have an online account yet, you'll create one by entering your account number and the service address where water is delivered to you. SAWS will verify this information against their records before letting you proceed. After that first setup, you just use your username and password each time you log in.
Payment processing usually takes one business day if you pay by bank transfer, or the same day if you use a debit or credit card. SAWS does not charge a fee for paying by bank account, but credit card payments may carry a processing fee — check the payment screen before you confirm, because the fee amount shows there.
Key Takeaways
- You need your SAWS account number and a password to log in; your account number appears on your paper bill or past statements.
- Paying by bank account transfer has no fee, but credit card payments include a processing fee that SAWS shows you before you confirm.
- Automatic payments can be set up during login and will deduct your bill amount on a date you select each month.
- If you forget your password, the login page has a "Forgot Password" link that will send you a reset email within a few minutes.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed bills
Automatic payments mean your water bill comes out of your bank account on the same day each month, so you don't have to remember to pay. You set this up after you log in by going to the payment or account settings section. SAWS will ask you to choose a payment date (usually between the 1st and the 28th of the month) and confirm your bank account or card details.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging back in. If your bill amount changes — which it does seasonally for most households — the automatic payment adjusts to match. If you want to pause payments for a month or two, you can do that through your account settings without canceling the whole arrangement.
What to do if you can't log in or forgot your password
The SAWS login page has a "Forgot Password" link below the password field. Click it, enter your username or email address, and SAWS will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. The reset link usually works for 24 hours, so use it soon after you request it.
If you never created an online account, you'll see a "Register" or "Create Account" button on the login page instead. You'll need your account number and the service address. If you don't have your account number, look at an old bill, or call SAWS customer service at 210-704-7297 and they can give it to you.
If you're locked out after too many wrong password attempts, wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying again, or use the password reset link. If the reset email never arrives, check that you're using the correct email address associated with your account, or call customer service to verify your account details.
Payment methods and fees
SAWS accepts payments through bank account transfer (no fee), debit card, and credit card. The payment screen shows any applicable fee before you submit, so you'll know the exact total. Bank transfers are the cheapest option and usually clear within one business day. Debit and credit card payments process the same day but include a processing fee that varies depending on the card type.
You can also pay by phone by calling 210-704-7297 during business hours, or by mailing a check to the address on your bill. If you mail a payment, allow 7 to 10 days for it to reach SAWS and post to your account. Online and phone payments are faster and give you an immediate confirmation number.
Reading your bill after you log in
Once you're logged in, your bill shows your current charges, any balance from the previous month, and the total amount due. The bill breaks down water usage into gallons consumed and the rate applied to those gallons. Most SAWS customers pay a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus a usage charge that depends on how much water you used that billing period.
Your bill also shows the due date and any late fees that apply if payment doesn't arrive by then. If you have questions about specific charges, you can contact SAWS customer service, but the online bill usually includes notes explaining seasonal rate changes or special charges. Comparing your current bill to past ones (which stay in your account history) helps you spot unusual usage or changes in your rate.
What happens if your payment fails or bounces
If a payment fails — because your bank account has insufficient funds, for example — SAWS will try to process it again, usually within a few days. You'll receive a notice about the failed payment. At that point, you can log back in and try paying again with a different payment method, or call customer service to arrange a payment plan if you're short on funds.
If your account falls behind, SAWS may charge a late fee and eventually suspend service. The amount of time before suspension depends on how far behind you are. If you're having trouble paying, contact SAWS customer service at 210-704-7297 to discuss options; they may be able to work out a payment arrangement or direct you to assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my SAWS bill without creating an online account?
Yes. You can pay by phone at 210-704-7297, by mail, or in person at a SAWS payment location. Online login is the fastest option, but not required. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to process.
Is there a fee for paying online with my bank account?
No. Bank account transfers have no fee. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that SAWS shows you on the payment screen before you confirm the transaction.
What if I want to change my automatic payment date?
Log in to your account and go to the automatic payment or account settings section. You can change the payment date, pause payments temporarily, or cancel automatic payments entirely. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my bill?
Bank account payments usually post within one business day. Credit and debit card payments post the same day. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately after you submit the payment, even if it hasn't posted yet.
What should I do if I think there's an error on my bill?
Contact SAWS customer service at 210-704-7297 or use the contact form on their website. Have your account number and bill ready. They can review your usage and charges and explain any items you don't recognize.