Where to pay your Sewerage and Water Board bill
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) offers several ways to pay your bill, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you prefer online, by phone, or in person.
The fastest and most common method is online payment through the SWBNO website. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments, which deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose. Online payments typically process within one business day.
If you prefer to pay by phone, you can call SWBNO's customer service line at 504-658-9111 during business hours. A representative will take your payment information and process the transaction. Phone payments also usually process within one business day, though you may be charged a convenience fee depending on the payment method.
In-person payments are available at SWBNO's payment centers and authorized payment locations throughout New Orleans. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at these locations. Walk-in payments are processed immediately, so your account is credited the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the SWBNO website is the fastest and most convenient method, with no convenience fee when you pay directly from your bank account.
- Automatic monthly payments can be set up online and will deduct your bill amount on the same date each month, helping you avoid late payments.
- Phone payments are available by calling 504-658-9111, though some payment methods may carry a convenience fee.
- In-person payments at SWBNO payment centers or authorized locations process immediately and accept cash, check, or debit card.
- Late payments result in a 10 percent penalty plus interest, so paying by your due date matters even if you choose a slower payment method.
Setting up online payment on the SWBNO website
To pay online, go to the SWBNO website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and your zip code to log in or create an account.
Once you are logged in, you can choose to make a one-time payment or set up automatic recurring payments. For a one-time payment, enter the amount you want to pay and select your payment date. For automatic payments, you will choose the day of the month when the payment should be deducted from your account.
You will need to provide your bank account information (routing number and account number) or a debit card number. SWBNO does not charge a convenience fee when you pay directly from a bank account, but some third-party payment processors may charge a small fee if you use a credit card.
Understanding your SWBNO bill and due dates
Your SWBNO bill shows charges for water, sewerage, and drainage services. The bill lists your account number, the billing period, the amount due, and the due date. Most bills are due within 20 days of the billing date, though you should check your specific bill for the exact due date.
If you pay after the due date, SWBNO adds a 10 percent penalty to your balance plus interest. If your account becomes 60 days past due, SWBNO may issue a notice of intent to discontinue service. If it reaches 90 days past due, your water service can be shut off without further notice.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact SWBNO customer service at 504-658-9111 to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs that may be available to you.
Authorized payment locations in New Orleans
SWBNO has payment centers where you can pay in person. The main office is located at 625 St. Joseph Street in New Orleans. You can also pay at authorized payment locations throughout the city, including some grocery stores and check-cashing services.
To find a payment location near you, call SWBNO customer service at 504-658-9111 or check the SWBNO website for a current list of authorized locations. Payment hours vary by location, so confirm the hours before you visit.
In-person payments are credited to your account the same day, so this method is useful if you are close to your due date and want to avoid late fees. Bring your account number or bill with you to speed up the payment process.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SWBNO customer service immediately at 504-658-9111. Waiting until after the due date means you will owe the 10 percent penalty plus interest, which increases what you owe.
SWBNO may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your bill over several months. The terms depend on the amount you owe and your account history. A payment plan keeps your service from being shut off while you catch up on what you owe.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about any assistance programs or discounts that may be available. Some programs help low-income households reduce their water and sewerage costs. Customer service can direct you to resources in your area.
Checking your account balance and payment history
You can check your account balance and payment history online through the SWBNO website by logging into your account. This shows what you currently owe, when your next bill is due, and a record of past payments.
Checking your balance online is useful if you are unsure whether a payment has been processed or if you want to confirm how much you owe before making another payment. The online account also shows your usage history, which can help you spot unusual spikes in water consumption that might indicate a leak.
If you do not have online access or prefer to check by phone, call SWBNO customer service at 504-658-9111 and a representative can tell you your current balance and recent payment activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for paying my SWBNO bill online?
No fee is charged when you pay directly from your bank account through the SWBNO website. If you use a credit card or a third-party payment processor, a convenience fee may apply. Check the payment screen before you confirm your payment to see if a fee will be charged.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically process within one business day. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, the payment may not process until the next business day. If you are close to your due date, pay several days early to make sure the payment arrives on time.
What happens if I miss my SWBNO bill due date?
A 10 percent penalty is added to your balance, plus interest. If your account is 60 days past due, SWBNO sends a notice of intent to discontinue service. At 90 days past due, your water service can be shut off. Contact SWBNO immediately if you miss a due date to discuss a payment plan.
Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?
Yes. Log into your SWBNO account online and select the automatic payment option. Choose the day of the month when you want the payment deducted from your bank account. The payment will be processed automatically each month until you cancel it.
What should I do if I think there is an error on my SWBNO bill?
Contact SWBNO customer service at 504-658-9111 to report the error. Have your bill and account number ready. A representative can review your charges and usage history. Do not ignore the bill while disputing it — continue making payments to avoid late fees and service disconnection.