California Water's online payment system lets you pay from your computer or phone without calling or mailing a check
California Water Service Company operates the payment portal at calwater.com. You can pay your bill there using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The system is available 24 hours a day, and most payments process the same day if submitted before the cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Pacific).
You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment. If you want to set up automatic payments or check your balance between bills, you will need to register with your account number and service address.
Key Takeaways
- Visit calwater.com and select "Pay My Bill" to make a one-time payment without logging in.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account, but credit card payments may include a processing fee.
- Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific typically post the same business day.
- Create an account to set up automatic monthly payments, view your bill history, or receive email reminders.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact California Water directly to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
Steps to pay a one-time bill online
Go to calwater.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button on the homepage. Click it and you will be taken to the payment portal. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay.
Select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. Enter the payment amount and your contact information. Review the details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Keep your confirmation number for your records. It serves as proof of payment if there is ever a dispute about whether the payment arrived.
Setting up automatic payments through your account
Create a free account on calwater.com by clicking "Create Account" and entering your account number, service address, and email. Once you log in, go to "Billing & Payments" and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments."
Choose the payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and the date you want the payment to come out each month. California Water will deduct the full bill amount automatically on that date. You can change or cancel autopay anytime by logging back into your account.
Automatic payments from a bank account typically have no fee. Credit card payments usually include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which California Water will disclose before you confirm.
Payment methods and fees
California Water accepts three ways to pay online: debit card, credit card, and electronic bank transfer (ACH). Debit and bank transfer payments have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee that varies depending on the card type and is shown before you submit payment.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is coming up.
If you pay in person, California Water has payment locations in its service areas. Check calwater.com for the nearest office and hours.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you submitted a payment online and do not see it on your account within one business day, log into your account and check the payment history. The confirmation number from your submission will help you track it.
Contact California Water's customer service at the phone number on your bill if the payment does not appear after two business days. Have your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment ready. Customer service can verify whether the payment was received and when it will post.
Do not submit the payment again if you are unsure whether the first one went through — that can result in a duplicate charge. Call first to confirm.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
If you have fallen behind on your bill or cannot pay the full amount by the due date, call California Water's customer service number (on your bill) to discuss your options. The company offers payment arrangements that let you spread the balance over several months.
Be ready to explain your situation and provide information about your income if you are asking for a hardship arrangement. California Water may also have programs to help customers with low incomes or those facing shutoff. Ask about these when you call.
Payment plans are usually set up over the phone, not online. Once approved, you can often make the monthly installment payments through the online portal using the same steps as a regular bill payment.
Troubleshooting common online payment problems
Payment portal will not load: Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are using an older browser, try a different one like Chrome or Firefox. The portal works on phones and tablets as well.
Card is declined: Check that the card number, expiration date, and security code are entered correctly. Contact your bank to confirm the card is not blocked for online transactions. Some banks flag utility payments as unusual activity.
Account number not recognized: Your account number is on your bill. Make sure you are entering it exactly as printed, with no spaces or dashes unless they appear on the bill itself. If you cannot find it, call customer service.
Cannot log into your account: Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you have never created an account, click "Create Account" instead. You will need your account number and service address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill before I receive it in the mail?
Yes. Log into your account on calwater.com to see your current balance and due date. You can pay the amount shown without waiting for the paper bill to arrive. If you do not have an account yet, call customer service for your current balance.
Is there a fee to pay online with a debit card?
No. Debit card payments and bank account transfers have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which the portal shows before you submit payment.
What time do online payments post?
Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific on a business day typically post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. California Water does not process payments on holidays.
Can I change my autopay date if it does not work with my payday?
Yes. Log into your account, go to "Autopay," and select a new date. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle. If you need to change it immediately, call customer service.
What happens if I pay online but my bill shows as unpaid?
Check your confirmation number and the payment history in your account. If the payment shows as submitted but not posted, wait one more business day. If it still does not appear, call customer service with your confirmation number and the date you paid.