Where to pay your Atlanta watershed bill
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management handles water, sewer, and stormwater billing for most of Atlanta. You can pay your bill online through the city's website, by mail, in person, or by phone. The fastest route is the online payment portal, which processes payments the same day you submit them during business hours.
Online payments go through the city's official bill pay system at the Atlanta Water Department website. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill itself — this address changes based on which payment processing center handles your account, so using the bill's return envelope ensures it reaches the right place.
In-person payments are accepted at the Atlanta Water Department office during business hours. Phone payments are also available, though you'll be charged a convenience fee that does not apply to online or mail payments. Check your bill or the city website for the current phone number, as it may change.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's official portal is free and processes the same business day, making it the fastest option.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method.
- Mail payments should use the return envelope on your bill, since the mailing address varies by account.
- Phone and in-person payments are available but phone payments include a convenience fee that online and mail payments do not.
- Late payments trigger a 10% penalty on top of your bill amount, so paying by the due date matters even if you pay late.
Setting up online bill pay through the city portal
Go to the Atlanta Water Department's official website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your service address or the phone number on file. The system will pull up your account and show your current balance.
You can pay the full amount due or a partial payment. The portal accepts bank account transfers (ACH) and credit or debit cards. Bank transfers are free; card payments may include a small processing fee depending on the payment processor. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day typically post the same day. Payments made after hours or on weekends post the next business day. The due date on your bill is the deadline; payments that arrive after that date trigger a 10% late penalty even if you eventually pay.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order. Use the return envelope that came with your bill — do not use a different address, because the city uses multiple processing centers and the wrong address delays posting to your account.
Mail should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. The post office date, not the arrival date, is what counts for the due date, so mail your payment at least a week before the due date to be safe. If you do not have the return envelope, call the Atlanta Water Department to confirm the correct mailing address for your account.
Keep a copy of your check or money order number and the date you mailed it. If your payment does not post within two weeks, contact the city with this information so they can track it down.
Paying by phone or in person
Phone payments are available through the Atlanta Water Department's automated system or by speaking with a representative. The automated system is available 24/7, but a convenience fee applies — this fee does not apply to online or mail payments. Have your account number and a valid payment card ready.
In-person payments are accepted at the Atlanta Water Department office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. You can pay by cash, check, or card. The office address and hours are listed on your bill and on the city website. Payments made in person post immediately if you arrive before closing time.
What happens if you miss the due date
A 10% late penalty is added to your bill if payment arrives after the due date. This penalty applies even if you pay the full amount late — it is not waived by paying in full eventually. The penalty is calculated on the total amount owed, not just the portion that was late.
If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days, the city may send a notice of intent to disconnect service. Water service can be shut off if the account reaches 90 days past due. You can request a payment plan or hardship extension by contacting the Atlanta Water Department directly; these are handled case by case and are not automatic.
Finding your account number and understanding your bill
Your account number is printed on the front of your bill, usually near the top left. It is a unique identifier that the city uses to match your payment to your account. You need this number for any payment method except in-person payments, where you can show your bill instead.
Your bill shows the service address, the billing period, the amount due, and the due date. It also breaks down charges for water, sewer, and stormwater services separately. If you have questions about what you are being charged for, the bill includes a phone number for customer service.
Setting up automatic payments
The Atlanta Water Department's online portal allows you to set up recurring automatic payments. You can choose to pay the full amount due each month or a fixed amount. Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on a schedule you select.
To set up automatic pay, log into your account on the city's website and look for the "Automatic Payment" or "Recurring Payment" option. You will need to provide your bank account information and choose a payment date. Most people choose a date shortly after they receive their bill, so they know the amount before the payment is withdrawn.
You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If you cancel, you are responsible for paying manually by the due date. Automatic payments do not override the due date, so if you set the payment date after the due date, you will still be charged a late penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have an account number?
Call the Atlanta Water Department customer service line with your service address or phone number on file. They can look up your account and provide the number. You can also find it on any bill you have received at that address.
Can I pay someone else's bill?
Yes, you can pay any bill if you have the account number. The online portal and phone system do not require you to be the account holder. In person, bring the bill or account number and the payment amount.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No fee for bank account transfers (ACH). Credit and debit card payments may include a small processing fee, which the portal will show before you confirm the payment. Mail and in-person payments are free. Phone payments include a convenience fee.
How long does it take for a mailed payment to post?
Mail typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The post office date counts toward the due date, not the arrival date. Mail your payment at least a week before the due date to avoid a late penalty.
What if my water service was shut off for non-payment?
Contact the Atlanta Water Department to discuss reconnection. You will need to pay the past-due balance plus any reconnection fees. The city may require a deposit before service is restored. Ask about payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount immediately.