Where to send your Anne Arundel water payment
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works handles water billing for most of the county. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online portal is the fastest route — you'll get a confirmation number immediately and can set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
If you live in Annapolis city proper, the City of Annapolis handles your water account separately from the county. Their payment methods are similar but the mailing address and online portal are different, so check which entity bills you before sending a payment.
Your water bill itself will show you exactly where to send payment and what account number to include. Keep that bill or a photo of it handy when you pay — you'll need your account number to look up your balance or set up a payment plan.
Key Takeaways
- Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works and the City of Annapolis bill water separately, so confirm which one sends your bill before paying.
- Online payment through the county or city portal is the fastest method and lets you set up automatic monthly payments.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method except automatic bank draft.
- If you fall behind on payments, the county can place a lien on your property or shut off service, so contact them early if you cannot pay on time.
- Payment plans and hardship programs exist but require you to contact the department directly — they do not happen automatically.
How to pay online or by phone
The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works accepts online payments through their website at aacounty.org. Look for the water bill payment section under utilities or public works. You'll enter your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank information. The system accepts debit cards and bank account transfers. Payments typically post within one business day.
To pay by phone, call the Department of Public Works at the number on your bill. A representative can take your payment information over the phone and process it immediately. Have your account number and a debit card or bank account ready. Phone payments may carry a small fee depending on the payment processor the county uses.
If you live in Annapolis city, use the City of Annapolis website or call their utilities office directly. The process is the same but the phone number and web portal are different from the county system.
Mailing a check or paying in person
If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check itself and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Anne Arundel County typically processes mailed payments within five to seven business days after receipt, so plan ahead if your due date is soon. Include a copy of your bill or write your account number clearly so the payment reaches the right account.
You can also pay in person at the Department of Public Works office during business hours. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Bring your bill or account number with you. Paying in person gives you a receipt on the spot and confirms your payment was received.
For Annapolis city residents, check the city website for the location and hours of their utilities payment office.
What happens if you miss a due date
Water bills in Anne Arundel County are typically due 20 days after the bill date. If you do not pay by the due date, the county adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the late fee varies but is usually a percentage of the unpaid balance. You'll see the late fee listed on your next bill.
If you remain unpaid for several months, the county can place a lien on your property, meaning they have a legal claim against your home. They can also shut off your water service. Before either of those steps happens, the county sends notices warning you of the action. If you receive a notice, contact the Department of Public Works immediately — they often work with residents on payment arrangements before taking enforcement action.
Do not ignore a water bill. Even if you dispute the amount, paying what you believe you owe and noting the dispute in writing protects you from liens and service shutoff while the issue is resolved.
Setting up automatic payments or a payment plan
The easiest way to avoid late fees is to set up automatic monthly payments through the county's online portal. You authorize the county to withdraw the bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose — usually around the due date. Once set up, the payment happens without you having to remember or take action each month.
If you cannot pay your full bill on time, contact the Department of Public Works before the due date to discuss a payment plan. The county has some flexibility in spreading payments over several months, especially if you have a documented hardship. Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one and the county has to approve it. The sooner you call, the more options you may have.
Ask specifically whether the county offers any hardship programs or bill assistance. Some utilities have programs for low-income households or residents facing temporary financial difficulty. The department can tell you whether you might be considered for reduced rates or extended payment terms.
Reading your Anne Arundel water bill
Your water bill shows your account number at the top, usually in large print. Below that you'll see the billing period (the dates the bill covers), your current charges, and any previous balance you still owe. The due date is clearly marked — this is the date by which payment must arrive, not the date you mail it.
The charges section breaks down what you're paying for: water usage (measured in gallons or hundred-cubic-foot units), sewer service, and any fees or taxes. If the amount seems unusually high, check whether your usage jumped compared to previous months. A sudden spike can signal a leak in your home — a running toilet or underground pipe break — so investigate before paying if the number surprises you.
Keep your bills for at least a year so you can compare usage month to month and spot trends. If you think a bill is wrong, contact the Department of Public Works with your account number and the bill date. They can review your meter reading and usage history.
Disputing a charge on your water bill
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact the Department of Public Works in writing or by phone. Explain what you think is wrong — for example, the usage seems too high, or you were charged for a service you did not request. Include your account number and the bill date.
The county will investigate by reviewing your meter reading and comparing it to previous months. If the meter was read incorrectly or if there was a billing error, they will issue a corrected bill. If the usage is correct but unusually high, they may help you identify a leak or other problem in your home.
While a dispute is being investigated, you should still pay the portion of the bill you do not dispute. This keeps your account in good standing and shows good faith. Once the investigation is complete, the county will adjust your account if they find an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot find my account number?
Your account number is on your water bill. If you do not have a recent bill, call the Department of Public Works and give them your address. They can look up your account number and current balance. You can also create an online account on the county website, which will show your account number and billing history.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes. You can pay online or by phone using their account number, or you can mail a check with their account number written on it. The payment will be credited to that account. If you are paying a family member's bill regularly, they can authorize you as an account representative so you can also view the balance and due date.
What if my water bill is extremely high and I think there's a leak?
Contact the Department of Public Works and describe the problem. They can review your usage history and may send someone to check your meter. If the meter is faulty, they will correct your bill. If the meter is working correctly but usage is high, the leak is likely in your home — check for running toilets, dripping faucets, or wet spots in your yard or basement. Fixing a leak quickly will lower your next bill.
Do I have to pay my water bill if I am disputing it?
You should pay the portion of the bill you do not dispute to keep your account in good standing. If you dispute the entire bill, contact the Department of Public Works before the due date to explain. Paying what you believe you owe while the dispute is investigated protects you from late fees and service shutoff.
What is the difference between Anne Arundel County water and Annapolis city water?
Most of Anne Arundel County is served by the county's Department of Public Works. Annapolis city has its own utilities department and bills separately. Check your bill to see which entity it came from, or call the number on the bill to confirm. The payment methods are similar but the websites and mailing addresses are different.