How to pay your Alaska Water & Wastewater Utility bill
Alaska Water & Wastewater Utility (AWWU) offers three main payment methods: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The fastest and most convenient option is online payment, which posts to your account immediately and requires only your account number and a payment method. Phone payments take a few minutes and work the same way. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach AWWU and post after that, so plan ahead if you are close to a due date.
Your bill shows a due date in the upper right corner. AWWU does not charge a late fee if payment arrives by the due date, but service can be disconnected if your account falls 30 days past due. Knowing which payment method fits your situation — and when to use it — keeps your water and sewer service running without interruption.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through AWWU's website is the fastest method and posts immediately; you need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
- Phone payments work the same way as online but require you to speak with a representative; call the number on your bill to start.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late payment.
- Your bill shows the due date clearly; AWWU does not charge a late fee if you pay by that date, but service stops at 30 days past due.
- Automatic payments through your bank or AWWU's system can prevent missed due dates if you pay the same amount each month.
Paying online through AWWU's website
Go to the AWWU website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link, usually on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper left corner. Enter that number, then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account (checking or savings).
If you use a debit or credit card, AWWU may charge a convenience fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Paying directly from your bank account usually has no fee. Enter the amount you want to pay (your full bill or a partial payment), review the details, and submit. The payment posts immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number you can save or print as a receipt.
Online payment is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have trouble logging in or entering your account number, the AWWU customer service line (listed on your bill) can help you locate your account number or walk you through the process.
Paying by phone
Call the phone number on your bill to reach AWWU customer service. Have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will ask you to confirm your account, then walk you through the payment. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information.
Phone payments work the same way as online payments: the money posts immediately, and you receive a confirmation number. The convenience fee for card payments applies here too. Phone lines are typically open during business hours; check your bill for the exact hours AWWU is available.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to AWWU. Include your account number on the check or money order. Place it in an envelope with the payment stub from your bill — the stub shows where to send the payment and helps AWWU match the payment to your account.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive at AWWU, then another few days to post to your account. If your due date is fewer than 14 days away, do not use mail; use online or phone payment instead. Sending payment early gives you a safety margin in case mail is delayed.
The mailing address appears on your bill. Keep a record of when you mailed the payment in case you need to prove you sent it on time.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You can set them up through AWWU's website or by calling customer service. Choose a payment date each month — typically a few days before your bill is due — and AWWU will withdraw the amount from your bank account automatically.
Automatic payments work best if your bill amount stays roughly the same each month. If your usage varies widely (for example, if you have a seasonal home), you may prefer to pay manually each month so you can adjust the amount. You can pause or cancel automatic payments at any time by contacting AWWU.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact AWWU before the date arrives. Customer service can discuss a payment plan or extension. AWWU does not charge a late fee if you pay by the due date, but service disconnection begins at 30 days past due. Calling ahead gives you options and shows AWWU you intend to pay.
If your account is already past due, paying immediately — even a partial payment — stops the disconnection clock and shows good faith. Online and phone payments are fastest; mail will not reach AWWU in time to prevent disconnection if you are already late.
Understanding your bill and payment details
Your AWWU bill shows several key pieces of information: your account number (upper left), the amount due, and the due date (upper right). The bill also lists your water and sewer charges separately, any taxes, and a summary of your usage. Read the bill to understand what you are paying for, especially if the amount seems higher than usual.
If you dispute a charge or have questions about your bill, contact AWWU customer service before you pay. They can explain the charges and help you understand your usage. Paying the bill does not mean you accept all charges; you can still dispute them afterward, but contacting AWWU first often resolves the issue faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my AWWU bill online?
AWWU does not charge a fee if you pay directly from your bank account. If you use a debit or credit card, a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent typically applies. Check the AWWU website or call customer service to confirm current fees before you pay.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
AWWU does not charge a late fee for payments that arrive after the due date. However, your account is considered past due, and service disconnection can begin at 30 days past due. Pay as soon as you can to avoid disconnection.
Can I pay a partial payment toward my bill?
Yes. You can pay any amount toward your bill through online, phone, or mail payment. Partial payments reduce what you owe but do not stop the past-due clock if your account is already late. Contact AWWU to discuss a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount.
How do I know my payment went through?
Online and phone payments provide a confirmation number immediately. Save or write down this number as proof of payment. Mail payments take longer to post; keep a copy of the mailed check or money order and the date you sent it. You can log into your AWWU account online to see when the payment posts.
What if I need to change my automatic payment amount?
Contact AWWU customer service to adjust your automatic payment amount. You can also pause automatic payments and switch to manual payment if your bill varies month to month. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles.