Where to pay your Anne Arundel County water bill

Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works handles water billing for most of the county. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online portal is the fastest route — payments post the same day if you submit before 5 p.m. on a business day.

If you live in Annapolis proper, the City of Annapolis runs its own water system separately from the county. Check your bill to see which entity issued it, because the payment methods and addresses are different. The city's website has its own bill pay portal.

For Anne Arundel County residents, the Department of Public Works accepts payments at their main office in Glen Burnie, but you do not need to go in person — online and phone payments are faster and available 24 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Anne Arundel County water bills can be paid online through the Department of Public Works website, and online payments post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m.
  • Phone payments are available by calling the Department of Public Works during business hours, and you will need your account number from your bill.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill, and allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach and post to your account.
  • Annapolis residents should check whether their bill is from the City of Annapolis or Anne Arundel County, because each has its own payment system and address.
  • Setting up automatic payments through the online portal can prevent missed due dates and late fees.

Paying online through the Anne Arundel County portal

The Department of Public Works website has a bill pay section where you can log in with your account number and pay immediately. You will need your bill in front of you to find your account number — it appears in the upper right corner of the first page. Create a login if you do not already have one, then enter your account number and the amount you want to pay.

The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Credit and debit card payments process instantly and show up in your account the same day. Bank account transfers (ACH) take one business day to post. There is no fee for ACH payments, but credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that varies depending on the payment method — the portal will show you the exact fee before you confirm.

If you set up automatic payments through the portal, your bill will be paid on the due date each month without you having to log in. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call the Department of Public Works during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments — they post the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Like online card payments, phone payments may include a processing fee depending on your payment method.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works. Write your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address is the lockbox where payments are processed, not the main office. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to arrive and post to your account. If your payment is due soon, mail is not the fastest option.

Do not send cash by mail. If you need to pay in person at the Glen Burnie office, you can bring cash, check, or card, but office hours are limited to business hours on weekdays.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your Anne Arundel County water bill shows the due date clearly near the top. This is the date by which the payment must post to your account to avoid a late fee. If you pay online or by phone before 5 p.m. on the due date, your payment will post the same day and you will not be late. If you pay by mail, you need to send it several days before the due date to account for mail delivery time.

The bill also shows your account number, the amount owed, and a breakdown of charges — water usage, sewer, stormwater, and any other services. If you have questions about what you are being charged for, the Department of Public Works website has information about rate structures, or you can call their customer service line.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact the Department of Public Works before the due date passes. They may be able to set up a payment plan that lets you pay in installments instead of the full amount at once. Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one, and the department will review your situation.

If your bill goes unpaid for 60 days or more, the county can place a lien on your property or shut off your water service. These actions take time and involve notices, so you will have warning, but the sooner you contact the department about a payment plan, the more options you will have.

Paying a bill for an Annapolis address

If your water bill is from the City of Annapolis rather than Anne Arundel County, use the City of Annapolis website to pay online. The city's bill pay portal works similarly to the county's — you log in with your account number and can pay by card or bank transfer. The city also accepts phone and mail payments, but the phone number and mailing address are different from the county's.

Check the top of your bill to see which entity issued it. If it says "City of Annapolis Department of Public Works" or "Annapolis Water Department," use the city's payment system. If it says "Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works," use the county system described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay late?

Late fees are added to your account if payment does not post by the due date. The amount varies, but it is typically a percentage of your bill. If you are more than 60 days late, the county can shut off your water service or place a lien on your property. Contact the department before you fall behind to discuss a payment plan.

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay?

Yes. Through the Anne Arundel County online portal, you can set up automatic payments that deduct from your bank account on the due date each month. You can change the amount or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Is there a fee for paying online?

ACH payments (direct from your bank account) have no fee. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that the portal shows you before you confirm the payment. The fee varies depending on the card type.

How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my bill?

Allow 7 to 10 business days for a mailed check to arrive at the lockbox, be processed, and post to your account. If your due date is coming up soon, pay online or by phone instead.

What if I think my bill is wrong?

Contact the Department of Public Works customer service line to dispute a charge or ask questions about your bill. Have your account number and bill in front of you. They can explain the charges and, if there is an error, adjust your account.