San Antonio Water System bills can be paid online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) offers several ways to pay your water bill, and the method you choose depends on what works best for your schedule and preferences. The fastest option is online through the SAWS website, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their payment line, mail a check, or visit a payment location in person.

Your bill arrives monthly and shows your water usage, charges, and the due date — usually about 20 days after the bill date. Paying by the due date keeps your account in good standing and avoids late fees. If you miss the due date, SAWS will add a late charge to your next bill.

Key Takeaways

  • SAWS bills are due about 20 days after the bill date, and paying online through their website is the fastest method.
  • You can pay by phone at 210-704-7297, by mail to the address on your bill, or at SAWS payment centers around San Antonio.
  • Online payments process immediately if you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, but mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach SAWS.
  • Setting up automatic payments through your bank or SAWS's autopay option prevents missed due dates and late fees.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SAWS about payment arrangements before your account becomes delinquent.

Paying online through the SAWS website

Go to saws.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and either a debit card or bank account information. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as direct bank transfers.

Payments made online before 5 p.m. on a business day post to your account the same day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment will process the next business day. SAWS does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website, but some payment processors may add a small fee if you use a third-party service.

Keep your confirmation number from the online payment for your records. You can also set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments through the SAWS website to avoid missing future due dates.

Paying by phone or automatic payment

Call SAWS at 210-704-7297 to pay your bill over the phone. Have your account number and debit card or bank account information ready. Phone payments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though a representative is only available during business hours if you have questions.

Automatic payment, also called autopay, withdraws your bill amount from your bank account or charges your card on the due date each month. You can set this up through the SAWS website or by calling 210-704-7297. Autopay removes the risk of forgetting a payment and protects you from late fees. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your online account or by calling SAWS.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill and mail it to the address printed on your bill statement. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach SAWS and post to your account, so send your payment well before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying multiple bills or have questions about your account, include a note with your payment so SAWS knows which account the payment is for.

Paying in person at SAWS locations

SAWS operates payment centers in San Antonio where you can pay your bill in cash, check, or debit card. Payments made in person are posted to your account immediately. Visit saws.org and search for "payment locations" to find the center nearest you, along with hours of operation.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle your payment face-to-face, in-person payment is a reliable option. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method with you.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you will miss the due date, contact SAWS before it passes. Call 210-704-7297 and explain your situation. SAWS may be able to set up a payment arrangement that spreads your bill over two or more months, which keeps your account from becoming delinquent and avoids service disconnection.

If your account falls behind, SAWS will send you a notice before disconnecting service. The notice gives you time to pay or contact them about a plan. Reconnection fees apply if service is shut off, so reaching out early is less costly than waiting.

Understanding your bill and due dates

Your SAWS bill shows your meter reading, the amount of water you used, the charges for that usage, any taxes or fees, and the total amount due. The due date is printed near the top of the bill. If you pay by mail, send your check at least 10 days before the due date to account for mail delivery time.

Your bill also shows your account number in the upper left corner — this is what you need to reference when paying online, by phone, or by mail. If you have questions about your charges, contact SAWS before paying so you can discuss the bill with a representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay my SAWS bill late?

SAWS adds a late charge to your next bill if you pay after the due date. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more, SAWS may disconnect your water service. You will also owe a reconnection fee to restore service.

Can I set up autopay and still pay extra some months?

Yes. Autopay withdraws your regular bill amount on the due date, but you can make additional payments anytime through the website or by phone if you want to pay more. This is useful if you want to pay down a balance faster or make a large payment when you have extra money.

Is there a fee for paying my SAWS bill online?

SAWS does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website. Some third-party payment services may add a fee, but the SAWS website itself is free. Phone and in-person payments are also free.

How long does it take for a mailed check to show up on my account?

Mailed checks typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive at SAWS and post to your account. Mail your payment at least 10 days before the due date to make sure it arrives on time and avoid a late fee.

Can I pay someone else's SAWS bill for them?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number. The payment will post to their account regardless of whose name or payment method you use.