Where and how to pay your Savannah water bill
Savannah's water service is provided by the City of Savannah's Department of Water and Sewer Services. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest way is the online payment portal on the city's website — you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.
To pay online, go to the City of Savannah's website and look for the utilities payment section. You can pay with a debit card or bank account. If you prefer to pay by phone, call the Department of Water and Sewer Services directly. They accept credit and debit cards over the phone. Payment by mail takes longer — allow at least 10 business days for the check to arrive and be processed.
In-person payments are accepted at the city's offices during business hours. Bring your bill or account number. Some residents also set up automatic payments from their bank account, which removes the need to remember a due date each month.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the City of Savannah's website is the fastest option and requires only your account number from your bill.
- Phone payments are available by calling the Department of Water and Sewer Services directly with a debit or credit card.
- Mail payments take at least 10 business days, so send your check well before the due date shown on your bill.
- Automatic bank payments eliminate the risk of missing a due date and are set up through the city's payment portal.
Reading your Savannah water bill
Your bill shows your account number, the billing period, your meter reading, and the amount due. The meter reading tells you how much water you used during that period, measured in gallons or cubic feet depending on how the city reports it. The charges are broken down by service — water, sewer, and stormwater — so you can see what each part costs.
Most Savannah water bills also show your previous balance, any payments received since the last bill, and the current amount due. If you see a charge you don't recognize, check the date range of the billing period. Seasonal changes in water use are common — summer bills are often higher because of outdoor watering, while winter bills drop when people use less water.
What affects your water bill amount
Your bill is based on how much water enters your meter during the billing period. The city reads meters on a regular schedule, usually monthly. If you use more water one month, your bill will be higher that month. Common reasons for higher bills include leaks inside your home, running toilets, outdoor watering, or simply more people using water than usual.
The rate structure in Savannah includes a base charge for service plus usage charges. The base charge covers the cost of maintaining the system and is the same every month. The usage charge depends on how many gallons or cubic feet you consumed. Some cities use tiered rates, where the per-unit cost increases as you use more water, but you should check your bill to see whether Savannah uses that structure.
If your bill is much higher than normal, check for leaks first. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per month. Look at the meter reading on your bill — if it jumped significantly from the previous month and you didn't change your water habits, a leak is likely. You can also read your meter yourself between billing cycles to track your use.
What to do if you can't pay on time
If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Water and Sewer Services as soon as possible. The city may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the amount over several months. Calling before the bill becomes overdue gives you more options than waiting until after a late fee is added.
Late fees and penalties accumulate if the bill remains unpaid. The city can eventually shut off service for non-payment, though they typically send multiple notices before doing so. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about any assistance programs the city offers. Some utilities have programs for low-income households or those facing temporary hardship.
Checking your account online
The City of Savannah's online portal lets you view your bill history, see your current balance, and check your meter readings. You'll need to create an account using your account number and other identifying information. Once logged in, you can see bills from previous months, which helps you spot unusual spikes in usage.
The portal also shows the dates your bills are due and when payments were received. If you set up automatic payments, you can manage those through the same portal. Keeping track of your account online makes it easier to catch billing errors or unexpected changes in your usage patterns.
Reporting a problem with your bill or meter
If you believe your meter is reading incorrectly or your bill contains an error, contact the Department of Water and Sewer Services with your account number and a description of the problem. The city can review your billing history and meter readings to investigate. Meter errors are uncommon, but they do happen — the city has a process for testing meters and adjusting bills if a problem is found.
If you notice a sudden spike in your bill with no change in your water use, report it right away. The city can help you determine whether the issue is a leak, a meter malfunction, or a billing error. Catching these problems early prevents them from affecting multiple billing cycles.
Understanding service interruption and reconnection
If your account falls significantly behind, the city may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This notice gives you time to pay or set up a payment plan before the water is shut off. Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water.
Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received, though emergency reconnections may be available. The reconnection fee is separate from your bill amount, so it adds to the total cost of getting service restored. Avoiding disconnection by paying on time or contacting the city early is far less expensive than paying reconnection fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments from my bank account?
Yes. Log into the City of Savannah's online payment portal and look for the automatic payment or recurring payment option. You'll provide your bank account information once, and the city will withdraw your payment automatically on the due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the portal.
What should I do if I think I have a water leak?
Check your meter reading on your bill and compare it to the previous month. If it jumped significantly and you didn't change your water habits, a leak is likely. Look for visible water damage, wet spots in your yard, or a running toilet. If you find a leak, repair it as soon as possible — leaks waste water and increase your bill. You can contact a plumber to locate hidden leaks.
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments usually appear within one to two business days. Mail payments take longer — allow at least 10 business days from the date you mail the check. Automatic bank payments are processed on the due date. If you're close to the due date, use online or phone payment to avoid late fees.
What happens if my water service is disconnected?
You must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received. Contact the Department of Water and Sewer Services before service is disconnected to discuss a payment plan — this is cheaper and faster than paying reconnection fees.
Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?
Yes. Contact the Department of Water and Sewer Services with your account number and an explanation of the charge you believe is incorrect. The city will review your billing history and meter readings. If an error is found, your bill will be adjusted. Keep copies of your bills and payment records in case you need to reference them during the review.