Where to pay your Baltimore water bill
Baltimore's Department of Public Works (DPW) runs the water and sewer system. You can pay your bill in three main ways: online through the DPW website, by phone, or by mail. Each method takes your account number, which appears on your bill.
The online portal at dpw.baltimorecity.gov lets you pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. Payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments go through an automated system or a representative — the phone number is on your bill. Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill, and you should allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach DPW and post to your account.
Some Baltimore residents can also set up automatic payments, which deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose. This avoids late fees if you forget to pay, though you should still check your bill each month to catch billing errors.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at dpw.baltimorecity.gov, by phone using the number on your bill, or by mail to the address listed on your statement.
- Online and phone payments usually post within one business day, while mailed payments take 7 to 10 days to reach DPW.
- Your account number, printed on your bill, is required for any payment method.
- Automatic payments from your bank account can help you avoid late fees, but you should still review your bill each month for errors.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill.
Understanding your Baltimore water bill
Your bill shows charges for water, sewer, and stormwater services. The water charge covers the cost of treating and delivering water to your home. The sewer charge covers the cost of collecting and treating wastewater. The stormwater charge helps fund systems that manage rainwater runoff in Baltimore.
Bills are typically issued monthly and show your meter reading, the amount of water you used, and the total amount due. 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. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill amount.
Your bill also lists any credits or adjustments from previous months. If you have questions about a specific charge, DPW customer service can explain what it covers. The phone number is on your bill.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact DPW before the due date. They may be able to set up a payment plan that breaks your bill into smaller amounts over several months. Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion by the original due date and the rest in installments.
Baltimore also has programs for residents with low income. The Water Assistance Program can help cover water and sewer bills for households that meet income limits. To learn more, contact DPW directly or ask about the program when you call about a payment plan.
If your service has already been shut off due to non-payment, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore water service. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.
How to read your meter and check for leaks
Your water meter measures how much water enters your home. It is usually located in the basement, crawl space, or outside near the street. The meter shows a number that increases as you use water. DPW reads your meter monthly to calculate your bill.
You can check your meter yourself to spot leaks. Write down the number on your meter, wait two hours without using any water, and check it again. If the number has changed, you likely have a leak. Leaks inside your home — in toilets, pipes, or fixtures — are your responsibility to fix, but they will show up as higher water use on your bill.
If you think your meter is broken or reading incorrectly, you can request a meter test through DPW. There may be a fee for the test if the meter is working correctly, but if the meter is faulty, DPW will replace it and adjust your bill.
Setting up automatic payments and paperless billing
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. You authorize DPW to withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose — usually a few days before the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the online portal or by calling DPW.
Paperless billing means you receive your bill by email instead of in the mail. This speeds up the process and gives you a digital record of your payments. You can set up paperless billing through the DPW website or by phone. Even with paperless billing, you can still request a printed bill if you need one.
Both automatic payments and paperless billing reduce the chance of late fees because you will not miss a due date or lose a bill in the mail.
Disputing a charge or reporting a billing error
If you believe your bill is wrong, contact DPW within 30 days of receiving it. Have your bill and account number ready. Explain what you think is incorrect — for example, if your water use jumped suddenly without explanation, or if you were charged twice for the same month.
DPW will investigate your claim. They may review your meter readings, check for leaks on the city's side of the line, or look at your payment history. If they find an error, they will issue a credit to your account. If they find no error, they will explain the charge in writing.
While a dispute is being investigated, you should still pay the undisputed portion of your bill by the due date to avoid late fees. Only the amount you are disputing can be held.
What happens if you move or close your account
When you move out of a Baltimore home, notify DPW at least three business days before your move date. Provide your final meter reading if possible. DPW will calculate your final bill based on the date you report and send it to your forwarding address.
You are responsible for all water used up to the date you report the move, even if you have already left the property. If you do not report the move, bills will continue to be sent to the address, and late fees will accumulate.
When you move into a new Baltimore home, water service is usually already connected. Contact DPW to transfer the account into your name. You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a lease or deed, and a photo ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Baltimore water bill with a credit card?
The online portal and phone system accept debit cards and bank account transfers, but not credit cards. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to pay through a third-party payment processor, which may charge a fee. Check the DPW website for current options.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment is not showing, log into your account to confirm the payment went through. If it did, contact DPW with your confirmation number. If the payment failed, you will see an error message and can try again.
How do I know if my water bill is unusually high?
Compare your current bill to bills from the same month last year. A sudden jump in water use often signals a leak. Check your meter, look for dripping faucets or running toilets, and inspect visible pipes. If you cannot find a leak, call DPW to request a meter test or inspection of the city's water line.
What is the difference between water and sewer charges?
Water charges cover the cost of treating and delivering clean water to your home. Sewer charges cover the cost of collecting and treating the wastewater that leaves your home. Both are separate line items on your bill, and both are required services.
Can I get a discount on my water bill?
Baltimore offers the Water Assistance Program for low-income households. You may also be may be able to access for a discount if you are a senior, disabled, or a veteran. Contact DPW to learn about programs you may be able to use and what information you will need to provide.