Where to pay your Des Moines Water Works bill
Des Moines Water Works accepts payments through three main channels: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online portal at dmww.com is the fastest option — you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card, and the payment posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day.
To pay by phone, call Des Moines Water Works at 515-283-8700 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). A representative will process your payment over the phone using a bank account or debit card. If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill — typically Des Moines Water Works, P.O. Box 1900, Des Moines, IA 50306. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the utility and post to your account.
You can also pay in person at Des Moines Water Works' office located at 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321. Walk-in payments are accepted during regular business hours, and you can pay with cash, check, or debit card at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through dmww.com is the fastest method and posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- Phone payments at 515-283-8700 are processed immediately during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- In-person payments at 2201 George Flagg Parkway accept cash, check, or debit card and post the same day.
- Your bill shows the due date and the mailing address — use both to avoid late fees.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. Des Moines Water Works allows you to set up recurring payments directly from your bank account through their website. Log into your account on dmww.com, select the autopay option, and choose whether you want the utility to deduct the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month.
Automatic payments typically process on the due date shown on your bill, though you can adjust the date if needed. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month, you may prefer to set a fixed amount and make up the difference manually in months when your usage is higher. You can pause or cancel autopay at any time through your online account.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your Des Moines Water Works bill shows a specific due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. Payments received after that date are considered late. The utility charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date — the exact amount depends on your bill total, but it is typically a percentage of the amount owed.
If your payment is more than 30 days late, Des Moines Water Works may send a notice warning that service could be disconnected. The utility does not disconnect service immediately, but continued non-payment can result in service termination. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the utility as soon as possible to discuss your options — some customers may be able to arrange a payment plan.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact Des Moines Water Works directly at 515-283-8700 before your account falls behind. The utility may be able to work with you on a payment arrangement or connect you with local assistance programs. Iowa has programs that help households with utility bills, and Des Moines Water Works staff can point you toward resources in your area.
Do not ignore a late notice or disconnection warning. Responding quickly gives you more options than waiting until service is shut off. If you have already missed a payment, ask about a payment plan that spreads the balance over several months so you can catch up without paying the full amount at once.
Reading your bill to find the amount due
Your Des Moines Water Works bill lists several key pieces of information: your account number, the billing period, your water usage in gallons, the charges for water and sewer service, any taxes, and the total amount due. The due date appears near the top or bottom of the bill, along with the mailing address if you are paying by check.
The bill also shows your usage compared to the same month last year, which helps you spot unusual spikes that might indicate a leak. If your bill seems much higher than normal, check for running toilets, dripping faucets, or other water waste before calling the utility. Des Moines Water Works can investigate suspected leaks if you believe the bill is incorrect.
Paying a bill for a former resident or property
If you are paying a bill for a property you no longer own or rent, contact Des Moines Water Works with the account number and property address. The utility can confirm whether the account is still active and who the current responsible party is. If the account has been transferred to a new owner or tenant, you should not be liable for charges after your move-out date.
Keep a record of your final meter reading and the date you moved out. If you receive a bill after moving, send a written request to Des Moines Water Works asking them to close the account as of your move-out date and bill only through that date. Include your forwarding address so they can send a final bill or refund if you overpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Des Moines Water Works bill with a credit card?
Des Moines Water Works does not accept credit card payments directly through their website or phone line. You can pay with a debit card or bank account online and by phone. Some third-party payment processors may accept credit cards for a fee, but the utility does not recommend or endorse these services.
What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day if submitted before 5 p.m. If more than one business day has passed and the payment does not appear in your account, call 515-283-8700 with your confirmation number from the payment. The utility can trace the payment and confirm it was received.
Can I set up autopay for a partial amount instead of the full bill?
Yes. When you set up automatic payments on dmww.com, you can choose a fixed dollar amount rather than the full bill amount. This works well if your bill varies and you want to cover a base amount automatically while paying any overage manually.
What is the difference between the due date and the service date on my bill?
The service date is the period during which you used the water — typically the previous month. The due date is when payment must arrive at Des Moines Water Works to avoid a late fee. These are different dates, and you must pay by the due date, not the service date.
Does Des Moines Water Works offer a discount for paying the full year upfront?
Des Moines Water Works does not offer discounts for advance payments. You are billed monthly based on your actual usage, and there is no financial benefit to paying ahead. Pay on the schedule that works for your budget.