Where to pay your Chicago water, sewer, and stormwater bill
The City of Chicago collects water, sewer, and stormwater charges on a single bill. You can pay online through the city's official portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through the city's website, which processes immediately and gives you a confirmation number.
The official payment site is www.cityofchicago.org/finance. From there, you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, pay by phone at 311 (Chicago's non-emergency line), or visit a payment location in person. Payment by phone requires your account number and a credit or debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's finance portal is the fastest method and processes the same day you submit it.
- You will need your account number from your bill to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
- Automatic monthly payments can be set up through the city's website to avoid late fees.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact the city about payment plans or hardship programs before your bill becomes overdue.
How to set up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring late fees. Log into your account on the city's finance portal, select your account, and choose the automatic payment option. You can set the payment to occur on a date you choose each month, typically a few days before the due date.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If you need to pause payments temporarily, you can do so without penalty — just log in and adjust your settings before the next scheduled payment date.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Chicago water bills are typically issued every two months and include charges for water consumption, sewer service, and stormwater management. The due date is printed on the front of your bill. If you do not pay by that date, a late fee is added to your next bill.
Your bill shows your current meter reading, your previous meter reading, and the amount of water you used during the billing period. The sewer and stormwater charges are usually calculated as a percentage of your water use. If your bill seems unusually high, check whether you have a leak or whether your meter reading changed significantly from the previous period.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are facing hardship and cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the city before your account falls behind. The Department of Finance can discuss payment arrangements or direct you to assistance programs. Call 311 to speak with someone about your options.
Late fees accumulate quickly, and accounts that remain unpaid for an extended period may be referred to a collection agency or result in service disconnection. Reaching out early gives you more options than waiting until the bill is severely overdue.
How to find your account number and bill online
Your account number is a unique identifier assigned to your property address. It appears in the upper right corner of your paper bill. If you have lost your bill, you can look up your account number on the city's finance portal by entering your address and the last four digits of your phone number.
Once you have your account number, you can view your current bill, payment history, and past statements through your online account. This is useful for tracking when you paid, confirming the amount, and reviewing your usage over time.
Payment methods and processing times
Online payments through the city's portal process the same day and are the fastest method. Credit card and debit card payments are accepted, as well as direct bank account transfers (ACH). If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach the city and be posted to your account.
Phone payments also process the same day. In-person payments at city payment locations are immediate. If you are paying close to the due date, online or phone payment is safer than mailing a check, since mail delays can result in a late fee even if you sent the payment on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my bill still shows as overdue?
Online payments process the same day, but it may take 24 to 48 hours for the payment to appear in your account. If more than two business days have passed and your account still shows overdue, contact 311 with your confirmation number from the payment. The city can verify the payment was received.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe multiple months of bills?
Yes. Contact the Department of Finance through 311 to discuss a payment arrangement. The city can work with you on a schedule that fits your situation. Having a formal agreement in place prevents late fees and collection action while you catch up.
What happens if my water service is shut off for non-payment?
The city typically sends multiple notices before disconnecting service. Once service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Contacting the city before disconnection occurs is much less expensive than paying reconnection charges.
Is there a way to lower my water bill if I think I am using too much?
Request a meter test through the city's website or by calling 311. If your meter is faulty, the city can adjust your bill. You can also reduce consumption by fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and checking for running toilets — these are the most common sources of high residential water use.
Can I pay someone else's Chicago water bill online?
You can pay another person's bill if you have their account number, but you will need to set up a separate transaction for each account. The city's portal does not allow you to link multiple accounts under one login, so you will enter each account number separately when making a payment.