How to pay your American Water bill in West Virginia
American Water serves parts of West Virginia through its subsidiary Appalachian Water Service Company. You can pay your bill online through your account portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest way is online — you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill statement.
If you don't have online access yet, you can set up an account on the American Water website using your service address and account number. Once registered, you can view your bill, see your payment history, and set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online, by phone at 1-800-542-8989, by mail to the address on your bill, or at authorized payment locations in your area.
- Setting up automatic payments through your online account prevents late fees and takes about five minutes to complete.
- Your bill shows your account number, service address, amount due, and due date — keep this information handy when you pay by phone or mail.
- Late payments typically trigger a reconnection fee if service is shut off, so paying by the due date saves money even if you're short on funds that month.
Paying online through your account
Go to the American Water website and click the login link for your state (West Virginia). Enter your account number and the service address or zip code associated with your account. If you're a new user, you'll create a password and set up security questions.
Once logged in, you'll see your current bill amount and due date. Click "Pay Now" and choose whether to pay the full amount or a partial payment. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. American Water does not charge a fee for bank account payments, but credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that varies — the website will show you the exact amount before you confirm.
If you want to avoid logging in each month, set up autopay in your account settings. You can choose to pay the full bill automatically on a date you select, or you can have a fixed amount withdrawn each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call 1-800-542-8989 and have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone. This method works if you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, but it may take longer than online payment.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order and include it with the payment stub from your bill. Mail it to the address printed on your bill statement — do not send cash through the mail. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach American Water and post to your account. If your due date is within that window, consider paying online or by phone to avoid a late fee.
Finding in-person payment locations
Some areas served by American Water in West Virginia have authorized payment centers where you can pay in cash, check, or money order in person. These locations vary by service area. To find a payment location near you, log into your online account, call 1-800-542-8989, or check the American Water website for your specific region.
In-person payment is useful if you don't have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. The payment is usually posted to your account the same day, so this method works well if your due date is approaching.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your American Water bill shows the amount due, the due date, your account number, and your service address. The due date is typically 15 to 20 days after the bill is mailed. If you pay after the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill.
If your service is shut off for non-payment, you'll owe a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance and any late fees. This fee can range from $50 to $150 depending on the circumstances. Paying on time or contacting American Water before the due date if you're having trouble is much cheaper than dealing with a disconnection.
What to do if you're having trouble paying
If you can't pay your full bill by the due date, contact American Water before the due date to discuss your options. The company may offer a payment arrangement that lets you pay part of the bill now and the rest over the next one or two billing cycles. This keeps your service active and prevents late fees and reconnection charges.
West Virginia also has utility assistance programs for households with low income. Contact your local community action agency or call 211 to learn about programs that may help with water bills. These programs are separate from American Water and are run by state or local organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number if I don't have my bill?
Your account number is printed on your bill statement. If you've lost it, log into your online account using your service address, or call 1-800-542-8989 with your name and service address and a representative will provide it.
Can I set up autopay and then cancel it later?
Yes. You can cancel autopay anytime through your online account settings or by calling 1-800-542-8989. There's no penalty for canceling. If you cancel before a scheduled payment, that payment won't go through.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your next bill. If you don't pay within a certain period (usually 30 to 45 days past the due date), American Water may shut off your service. You'll then owe a reconnection fee to restore service, in addition to the unpaid balance and late fees.
Is there a fee for paying online with a credit card?
Yes. American Water charges a processing fee for credit and debit card payments, but not for bank account transfers. The fee amount appears on the payment screen before you confirm, so you'll know the exact cost before you pay.
Can I pay someone else's bill for them?
You can pay online or by phone if you have the account number and service address. For security reasons, American Water may ask for the account holder's name or other details to confirm the account before processing a payment from someone else.