Where to pay your San Francisco water bill
San Francisco's water, sewer, and stormwater charges come on one combined bill from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). You can pay online through the SFPUC website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment locations.
The fastest method is online at sfpuc.org. Log in or create an account, find your bill, and pay by bank account or debit card. Phone payments go through an automated system at (415) 551-3000, where you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you prefer mail, send a check to the address printed on your bill. In-person payments are accepted at the SFPUC's main office at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, though this is slower than other methods.
Your bill is due 30 days from the date printed on it. If you miss the due date, the SFPUC charges a late fee and may eventually shut off service. Setting up automatic payments through your bank account avoids this risk and takes only a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- San Francisco water, sewer, and stormwater charges arrive on one bill from the SFPUC, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- Your bill is due 30 days from the date printed on it, and late payments trigger a fee plus potential service shutoff.
- The SFPUC charges based on the amount of water you use, measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" (HCF), with higher usage tiers costing more per unit.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, the SFPUC offers a hardship program that lets you set up a payment plan or reduce your charges based on income.
- Reading your bill requires understanding three separate charges: water supply, sewer, and stormwater, each calculated differently.
How the SFPUC measures and charges for water
Water charges are based on how much water flows through your meter, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals 748 gallons. The SFPUC reads your meter every two months and bills you for the water you used in that period.
The SFPUC uses a tiered rate structure, meaning the price per HCF goes up as you use more water. Your first tier covers a baseline amount of water; if you exceed it, the next tier kicks in at a higher rate. This structure encourages conservation. A household of one or two people typically stays in the first tier, while larger households or those with irrigation often move into higher tiers.
The exact tier amounts and prices change each July. You can find the current rates on the SFPUC website under "Rates and Charges." Your bill shows which tier you fell into and how much you paid for each one. If your bill seems high, check whether you moved into a second or third tier — that is usually the reason.
Understanding sewer and stormwater charges on your bill
Your SFPUC bill includes two additional charges beyond water supply: sewer and stormwater. These are not optional and do not depend on how much water you use.
Sewer charges are based on the amount of water that enters the city's sewer system from your property. For most residential customers, this is assumed to equal the amount of water you used (shown on your water meter). The sewer charge covers the cost of treating wastewater at the city's treatment plants. Stormwater charges are based on the square footage of impervious surfaces on your property — mainly your roof and driveway. Stormwater runoff from these surfaces flows into the city's storm drains, and the charge covers the cost of managing that runoff.
Both charges appear as separate line items on your bill. If you have a large roof or driveway, your stormwater charge will be higher than a neighbor's with a smaller property. Some properties with green roofs or rain gardens may be able to reduce their stormwater charge through the SFPUC's stormwater credit program, though this requires an application and inspection.
Reading your SFPUC bill step by step
Your bill has several sections. At the top, you will see your account number, service address, and the billing period (the two-month window the bill covers). Below that is a summary showing your total amount due and the due date.
The middle section breaks down charges by category: water supply (with tier information), sewer, and stormwater. Each shows the amount charged and the rate used. If you have a previous balance or credits, those appear here too. At the bottom, you will see payment instructions and the SFPUC's contact information.
To spot errors, check that the meter reading makes sense compared to your last bill. A sudden jump in usage might indicate a leak. Compare the dates on your current bill to the previous one — they should be roughly two months apart. If something looks wrong, contact the SFPUC before paying; they can investigate meter readings or billing errors.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
The SFPUC offers a hardship program for customers who are struggling to pay. This program can reduce your charges based on your household income or set up a payment plan that spreads your bill across several months.
To explore this option, contact the SFPUC's Customer Service Division at (415) 551-3000 or visit their office at 525 Golden Gate Avenue. You will need to provide proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns) and explain your hardship. The process typically takes one to two weeks. While your application is being reviewed, continue to pay what you can to avoid late fees and service shutoff.
If you are a senior, disabled, or low-income customer, you may also be may be able to access for the Lifeline Rate, which reduces your water charges. This is a permanent rate reduction, not a one-time program. Ask about it when you contact the SFPUC about hardship assistance.
Checking for leaks if your bill suddenly increases
A water bill that jumps significantly from one period to the next often signals a leak. Even small leaks add up over two months. Before contacting a plumber, check whether the increase makes sense — did you have guests, water a garden, or fill a pool?
To find a leak, turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home, then look at your water meter. If the meter is still moving or the numbers are changing, water is leaking somewhere. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement or crawl space for visible water. Leaks behind walls or underground are harder to spot but often show up as soft spots in the yard or unusually green patches of grass.
If you find a leak and repair it, contact the SFPUC to report it. Some water agencies offer one-time bill credits for customers who fix leaks, though policies vary. The SFPUC can tell you whether you may have access to when you call.
Setting up automatic payments and managing your account online
The SFPUC's online portal lets you set up automatic payments, view your bill history, and report problems without calling. Create an account at sfpuc.org using your account number (found on your bill) and an email address.
Once logged in, you can authorize automatic payments from your bank account on the due date each billing cycle. This eliminates the risk of late fees and service interruption. You can also change your payment method, update your contact information, and download past bills for your records.
If you move or want to close your account, do this through the portal or by calling (415) 551-3000. The SFPUC will calculate a final bill based on your last meter reading. If you have a credit balance, they will mail you a refund or apply it to a new account if you are moving within the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not pay my water bill?
The SFPUC charges a late fee if you miss the due date. After 60 days without payment, they may shut off your water service. Once service is shut off, you must pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. Contact the SFPUC immediately if you cannot pay to discuss a payment plan.
Why is my stormwater charge so high?
Stormwater charges are based on the square footage of your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces that shed water into the storm drain system. Larger properties have higher charges. If you believe the square footage is wrong, contact the SFPUC with photos or property records to request a review.
Can I dispute a charge on my SFPUC bill?
Yes. Contact the SFPUC's Customer Service Division at (415) 551-3000 with details about which charge you dispute. They can review your meter reading, rate calculation, or property assessment. Disputes are usually resolved within two to four weeks.
Does the SFPUC offer discounts for seniors or low-income households?
Yes. The Lifeline Rate reduces water charges for may be able to access seniors, disabled customers, and low-income households. Contact the SFPUC to ask whether you may have access to and what documents you need to provide.
How often does the SFPUC read my meter?
Your meter is read every two months, and you receive a bill for each billing cycle. The SFPUC sends a meter reader to your property, or you may be able to submit a self-reading through their online portal if you have a digital meter.