Pay your Palm Beach County water bill through pbcwater.com in three steps
Palm Beach County Utilities Department runs the water service for most of the county, and their online payment portal at pbcwater.com is the fastest way to pay without calling or visiting in person. You can pay a single bill, set up a one-time payment, or arrange automatic monthly payments — all from your computer or phone.
The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Payments typically post within one business day, though the county charges a convenience fee if you use a credit or debit card (electronic bank transfer has no fee). You'll need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any notice the county has sent you.
Key Takeaways
- Go to pbcwater.com and select "Pay My Bill" to reach the payment portal without creating an account.
- Have your account number ready — it's a 10-digit number on your water bill or any county notice.
- Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee set by the payment processor; electronic bank transfer (ACH) has no fee.
- Automatic monthly payments can be set up through the same portal and will deduct from your bank account on a date you choose.
- Payments made before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the next day.
Finding your account number before you start
Your account number is a 10-digit code that Palm Beach County Utilities uses to identify your property. It appears in the top right corner of your water bill, usually printed in large type. If you don't have a recent bill, check any letter or notice the county has sent about your account — the number will be there.
If you've lost all your documents, call Palm Beach County Utilities at 561-493-6000. Have your service address ready, and the representative can give you the account number over the phone. This takes about five minutes and saves you from guessing during payment.
The three payment methods and their costs
Palm Beach County Utilities offers three ways to pay through pbcwater.com, and the method you choose affects whether you pay a fee.
Credit or debit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted. The payment processor charges a convenience fee — typically 2.5 to 3 percent of your bill amount — which is added to what you pay. This fee goes to the processor, not to the county. A $100 bill would cost roughly $102.50 to $103 when paid by card.
Electronic bank transfer (ACH): You provide your checking or savings account number and routing number, and the county pulls the payment directly from your bank. There is no fee for this method. The payment takes one to two business days to clear, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.
Automatic monthly payment: Set up a recurring payment through either method, and the county will deduct the amount on a date you choose each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the portal. Most people use ACH for automatic payments to avoid monthly card fees.
Step-by-step: paying a single bill online
Start at pbcwater.com. Look for a button or link labeled "Pay My Bill" — it's usually on the homepage. Click it to reach the payment portal.
Enter your 10-digit account number in the field provided. The system will pull up your account and show your current balance. Review the amount to make sure it matches your bill.
Choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account. If you're using a card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you're using a bank account, enter your routing number and account number.
Confirm the payment amount and review any fees that will be added. Click "Submit" or "Pay Now" — the exact button label varies. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Save this number in case you need to reference the payment later.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments save time if you want the same amount deducted every month. Go to pbcwater.com and select "Pay My Bill," then look for an option to "Enroll in AutoPay" or "Set Up Automatic Payments." Enter your account number.
Choose your payment method and the date each month when you want the payment to come out. Most people choose the date their bill is due or a few days after payday. The county will deduct the amount automatically until you cancel.
You can change the payment date, the amount, or the payment method anytime by logging back into the portal. You can also cancel automatic payments with one click. If your bill amount changes month to month, you may want to set the automatic payment for a fixed amount like $50 and pay any remainder manually, or you can adjust the automatic amount each month.
What to do if your payment doesn't go through
If your payment is declined, the portal will show an error message explaining why — usually an incorrect card number, expired card, or insufficient funds in your bank account. Fix the problem and try again immediately. Declined payments do not delay your bill or trigger a late fee as long as you pay before your due date.
If you submitted a payment and don't see a confirmation number, do not submit again. Wait one business day and check your account on pbcwater.com to see if the payment posted. If it did, you're done. If it didn't, call Palm Beach County Utilities at 561-493-6000 to confirm whether the payment went through. They can see the transaction on their end even if your email confirmation didn't arrive.
Payment timing and when your bill is due
Your due date appears on your water bill, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill is issued. Payments made through pbcwater.com before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the next business day. If your due date is a weekend or holiday, the county typically gives you until the next business day to pay without a late fee.
If you're cutting it close to your due date, use a credit or debit card for faster posting, or call the county at 561-493-6000 to confirm your payment was received. Electronic bank transfers take longer and should be submitted at least two business days before your due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my bill without creating an account on pbcwater.com?
Yes. The "Pay My Bill" portal does not require you to create an account or log in. You enter your account number each time you pay. If you want to set up automatic payments or check your balance anytime, you can create a free account, but it's not required for a one-time payment.
What if I don't have a credit card or bank account to link?
pbcwater.com requires either a card or bank account for online payment. If you don't have either, you can pay by phone at 561-493-6000, by mail (send a check to the address on your bill), or in person at a Palm Beach County Utilities office. Call the county to ask about payment locations near you.
Is there a fee for paying by electronic bank transfer?
No. Electronic bank transfer (ACH) has no convenience fee. Credit and debit cards do include a fee set by the payment processor, usually 2.5 to 3 percent of your bill. If you pay by ACH, you avoid this fee entirely.
Can I pay someone else's water bill through pbcwater.com?
You can pay any bill if you have the account number, but the payment will be applied to that account. The system does not ask whose account it is. If you're paying a family member's bill, make sure you have the correct account number so the payment goes to the right property.
What happens if I pay too much?
If you overpay, the county will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling Palm Beach County Utilities at 561-493-6000. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to arrive by check or to post back to your bank account.