Where and how to pay your Savannah water bill
The City of Savannah collects water and sewer payments through its Utilities Department. You can pay your bill online through the city's official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Utilities Department office. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
To pay online, visit the City of Savannah's website and look for the Utilities payment section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. You can pay with a debit card or bank account. If you prefer to pay by phone, call the Utilities Department directly — the number is on your bill. Payments by mail should be sent to the address listed on your statement, and in-person payments are accepted at City Hall during business hours.
Automatic payments are worth setting up if you want to avoid late fees. Once enrolled, the city will withdraw your payment on or near your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the online portal or by calling the Utilities Department.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your Savannah water bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person, and the online option is fastest and available 24/7.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to make any payment.
- Automatic payments prevent late fees and can be set up or cancelled anytime through the city's website or by phone.
- Late payments trigger a penalty fee, and service can be disconnected if your account falls significantly behind.
- The Utilities Department can discuss payment plans or hardship programs if you are having trouble paying your bill.
Reading your Savannah water bill
Your Savannah water bill shows three main charges: water service, sewer service, and stormwater management. The water charge is based on how many gallons you used that month, measured by the meter at your property. The sewer charge is usually tied to your water use — the city assumes most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer system. Stormwater is a separate fee that helps fund drainage and flood control.
The bill also lists your meter number, account number, and the date the meter was read. Check that the meter reading makes sense compared to your previous bill. A sudden spike in usage can signal a leak inside your home, such as a running toilet or a dripping water line. If you spot an unusual reading, contact the Utilities Department to request a meter check.
At the bottom of your bill, you will see the due date and the amount owed. Late fees apply if payment is not received by that date. Some bills also show a budget billing option, which averages your charges across the year so your payment stays roughly the same each month instead of spiking in summer or winter.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is late, the city adds a penalty fee to your account. The amount of the penalty depends on how late the payment is. If your account remains unpaid for a longer period, the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This notice gives you a window to pay or contact the Utilities Department to discuss your situation.
Service disconnection can happen if your account is significantly past due. Once disconnected, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore water service. Reconnection may take a few business days to schedule.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact the Utilities Department before your account falls behind. The city may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the cost over several months, or they can direct you to local assistance programs that help residents with utility bills.
Setting up automatic payments and account alerts
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Once you enroll through the city's online portal, your payment will be withdrawn automatically each month. You choose the payment date, and you can adjust the amount if your bill changes. Most people set their payment date a few days before the due date to ensure the city receives it on time.
The online portal also lets you set up email or text alerts. You can receive a notification when your bill is ready, when a payment is due, or when your account balance changes. These alerts help you catch billing errors or unusual usage early.
If you need to pause or cancel automatic payments, you can do so through the portal or by calling the Utilities Department. There is no penalty for cancelling, and you can restart automatic payments at any time.
Understanding meter readings and usage charges
Your water meter measures usage in gallons. The Utilities Department reads meters monthly, typically on the same day each month. The reading on your bill shows the current meter number minus the previous month's reading — that difference is your usage for the month. Savannah's water rates vary based on how much you use, so higher usage results in higher per-gallon charges.
If you want to check your meter between billing cycles, you can read it yourself. The meter is usually located near the street or in a basement, and it displays numbers like an odometer. Write down the number and compare it to your bill to verify the reading is accurate. If the meter appears to be running even when no water is in use, you may have a leak.
Leaks inside your home — such as a running toilet, a dripping faucet, or a crack in a water line — will show up as higher usage on your bill. If you suspect a leak, check your meter reading before and after turning off all water in your home. If the meter continues to move with everything off, the leak is between the meter and your house, and you should contact a plumber.
Payment plans and hardship assistance
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, the Utilities Department can set up a payment plan. A payment plan breaks your bill into smaller installments spread over several months. You will still owe the full amount plus any late fees already applied, but the monthly payment becomes more manageable. To request a payment plan, contact the Utilities Department by phone or in person.
Savannah residents may also be referred to local nonprofits or government programs that help with utility bills. The Utilities Department can provide information about these programs, though they do not run them directly. These programs typically serve households below a certain income level and may cover part or all of an overdue balance.
The key is to reach out before your account is disconnected. Once service is cut off, reconnection fees apply on top of what you already owe. The Utilities Department is more likely to work with you on a solution if you contact them proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Savannah water bill with a credit card?
The online payment portal accepts debit cards and bank account transfers. Credit card payments may incur a processing fee. Call the Utilities Department to ask about credit card options and any associated costs before paying that way.
What if I think my meter reading is wrong?
Contact the Utilities Department and request a meter inspection. They will send someone to check whether the meter is working correctly. If the meter is faulty, the city may adjust your bill. Bring your recent bills so the inspector can compare readings.
How do I report a water leak or main break?
Call the Utilities Department immediately if you see water pooling in your yard, hear water running underground, or notice a sudden spike in your bill. For emergencies outside business hours, the city has an after-hours line listed on your bill. Do not wait — leaks waste water and can cause property damage.
Can I get a copy of my bill if I lost it?
Yes. Log into the online portal to view and print past bills, or call the Utilities Department to request a copy by mail. You will need your account number to access your account online.
What is the difference between water and sewer charges?
Water is what flows into your home; sewer is what flows out. The sewer charge is usually based on your water use because the city assumes most water you use leaves through the drain. If you have a large outdoor use like a pool or irrigation, you may be able to request a separate meter to reduce sewer charges.