Where to pay your San Francisco water bill
San Francisco water bills are issued by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). You can pay online through the SFPUC website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment locations around the city. The online portal at sfpuc.org is the fastest route — you can pay immediately with a bank account or credit card, and you'll see your payment post within one to two business days.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the SFPUC Customer Service line at 311 (or 415-554-3155 from outside San Francisco). A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. Payments made by phone are typically processed the same business day.
For mail payments, write a check or money order and send it to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take longer — allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach the SFPUC and post to your account. If you pay in person, the SFPUC has payment drop boxes and customer service offices at several locations; check sfpuc.org for current addresses and hours.
Key Takeaways
- The SFPUC website (sfpuc.org) lets you pay online with a bank account or credit card and see your payment post within one to two business days.
- You can call 311 or 415-554-3155 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card, and the payment processes the same business day.
- Mail payments take at least 10 business days to post, so use this method only if you have time before your due date.
- Your bill shows the due date and the amount owed — paying after the due date may result in a late fee.
How to find your account and bill information online
To pay online, you need to log into your SFPUC account. Go to sfpuc.org and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "My Account" link. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number (found on your bill) and your service address. Once you're logged in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and due date.
Your bill arrives by mail each month and shows your water usage, the charges for that usage, any taxes or fees, and the total amount due. The due date is printed clearly on the front of the bill. If you've set up paperless billing through the SFPUC website, you'll receive an email notification when your bill is ready to view online instead of receiving a paper copy in the mail.
Understanding late fees and what happens if you miss a due date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date printed on your bill, the SFPUC will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill amount, but it is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. Late fees are added to your next bill.
If your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more past the due date, the SFPUC may issue a notice of intent to shut off your water service. This notice gives you a window to pay the full amount owed, including any late fees and shut-off notice fees, before service is disconnected. Water shut-offs in San Francisco are relatively rare, but they do happen when accounts are significantly past due.
If you receive a shut-off notice and cannot pay the full amount immediately, contact the SFPUC Customer Service line right away. They can discuss payment arrangements or direct you to financial assistance programs that may help you catch up on your bill.
Setting up automatic payments and paperless billing
The SFPUC website lets you set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember. Log into your account, go to the payment settings, and choose either your bank account (for automatic bank draft) or your credit or debit card. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring a late fee. They also give you one less bill to track manually. If you want to switch to paperless billing at the same time, you can turn that on in your account settings — the SFPUC will email you when your bill is ready instead of mailing a paper copy.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill
If you're struggling to pay your water bill, contact the SFPUC Customer Service line at 311 or 415-554-3155 as soon as possible. Do not wait until you receive a shut-off notice. The SFPUC has a Low-Income Ratepayer Assistance Program (LIRAP) that provides discounts on water and sewer charges for households that meet income limits. You can also ask about setting up a payment plan to spread your bill over several months.
To learn about LIRAP, visit sfpuc.org or call Customer Service. You will need to provide proof of household income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns) and your account information. If you are approved, your water and sewer rates are reduced, which lowers your monthly bill going forward.
The city also has emergency assistance programs for households facing utility shut-offs. Reach out to the San Francisco Human Services Agency or call 311 to ask about emergency utility assistance in your neighborhood.
Reading your water bill and understanding the charges
Your SFPUC bill shows several sections. The top lists your account number, service address, and billing period. Below that is your water usage, measured in units called "hundred cubic feet" (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons. Your bill shows how many HCF you used during the billing period and the cost per unit.
The charges section breaks down what you're paying for: water supply, sewer service, and stormwater charges. Some bills also include a trash collection charge if you receive that service from the city. Taxes are added at the bottom. The total amount due is the sum of all charges and taxes.
If your usage seems unusually high, check for leaks in your home — a running toilet or dripping faucet can significantly increase your water consumption. If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the SFPUC to request a meter reading or investigation.
Paying your bill if you live outside San Francisco
If you own property in San Francisco but live elsewhere, you can still pay online through sfpuc.org or by phone at 311 or 415-554-3155. Mail payments work the same way — send your check to the address on your bill. You can also set up automatic payments so you don't have to think about it each month.
Some property owners outside the city prefer automatic payments because they eliminate the need to track a bill that arrives by mail in a different state or region. You can manage your account online from anywhere with internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. Payments made on a weekend or holiday may take longer. If you need your payment to post by a specific date, pay at least two business days before your due date to be safe.
Can I pay my SFPUC bill with a credit card without a fee?
The SFPUC website does not charge a fee for credit card payments made directly through their portal. However, some third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee. Always pay through sfpuc.org directly to avoid extra charges.
What happens if I pay my bill late but before the shut-off notice arrives?
You will be charged a late fee, which is added to your next bill. However, paying before a shut-off notice is issued prevents service disconnection and keeps your account in good standing. Late fees vary by bill amount, so check your next statement to see the exact amount charged.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe several months of bills?
Yes. Contact the SFPUC Customer Service line at 311 or 415-554-3155 to discuss a payment arrangement. The SFPUC works with customers to create plans based on what you can afford. A payment plan can help you avoid a shut-off notice while you catch up on arrears.
Is there a discount program for low-income households?
The Low-Income Ratepayer Assistance Program (LIRAP) reduces water and sewer rates for households that meet income limits. You can learn about income thresholds and how to apply by visiting sfpuc.org or calling Customer Service at 311.