How to pay your EMWD bill online, by phone, or by mail
The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) serves parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties in California. You can pay your water bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest method is online through their bill pay portal, which processes payments the same day if submitted before their cutoff time.
EMWD does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website. If you use a third-party payment service or pay by phone with a credit card, fees may apply — the district recommends checking the fee schedule before you choose that route.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay EMWD bills online at emwd.org without a fee, by phone at (951) 696-3000, or by mail to the address on your bill.
- Online payments submitted before the cutoff time post the same day; mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the district.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank account prevents late fees and ensures your bill is paid on time each month.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact EMWD directly to ask about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Paying online through the EMWD website
Go to emwd.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. Create a login or sign in if you already have an account.
Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment date. If you pay before the cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Pacific time on business days), the payment posts the same day. Payments submitted after hours or on weekends will process on the next business day. You can pay from a checking or savings account at no charge.
Paying by phone or automatic bank draft
Call EMWD customer service at (951) 696-3000 during business hours to pay by phone. Have your account number and bank information ready. Phone payments may carry a fee depending on the payment method you choose.
To set up automatic payments, you can arrange this through the EMWD website or by calling customer service. Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose — usually around your bill due date. This method prevents accidental late payments and late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging into your account or calling the district.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order and include your account number on the payment. Mail it to the address shown on your bill statement. EMWD recommends mailing payments at least 10 business days before the due date to allow time for delivery and processing.
Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order for your records. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, you can log into your online account a few days after mailing to confirm the payment posted.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss your due date, contact EMWD before your account becomes late. Call (951) 696-3000 and explain your situation. The district may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the cost over several months instead of paying the full amount at once.
Late fees and service disconnection charges apply if your bill remains unpaid past the due date. The longer an account stays behind, the higher the total cost becomes. Reaching out early gives you more options than waiting until a disconnection notice arrives.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your EMWD bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is mailed. Your bill also lists your water usage for the billing period and the rate structure EMWD uses to calculate your charges.
EMWD bills are usually issued monthly. If you do not receive your bill in the mail, you can view it online by logging into your account on emwd.org. You can also request that EMWD email you a bill notification each month so you do not miss a due date.
Setting up a payment account online
Visit emwd.org and select the option to create a new online account. You will need your account number (from your bill), your service address, and an email address. Create a username and password that you can remember.
Once your account is set up, you can view your bill history, see your current balance, set up automatic payments, and receive email reminders before your due date. You can also update your contact information and request a paper bill or paperless billing through your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
EMWD charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date. If your account stays unpaid for 60 days or more, the district may disconnect your water service. You can avoid this by paying as soon as you notice the bill or by setting up automatic payments.
Can I pay someone else's EMWD bill?
Yes. You can pay online using the account number, by phone, or by mail. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment. Just have the account number ready and specify the amount you want to pay.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No fee applies when you pay through emwd.org using a bank account. Some third-party payment services charge a fee. EMWD recommends using their official website to avoid extra charges.
How long does it take for a mailed payment to post?
Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach EMWD after you send it. To be safe, mail your payment at least 10 days before the due date. Online payments post the same day if submitted before the cutoff time.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact EMWD customer service at (951) 696-3000 to discuss a charge you believe is wrong. Have your bill in front of you and be ready to explain which charge concerns you. The district will review your account and explain how the charge was calculated.