Where to pay your Metro Water Services bill
Metro Water Services (MWS) gives you four main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most convenient is online at mwsworks.com — you can pay any day, any time, and see your payment post within one business day. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.
If you prefer to call, dial 615-862-5900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Paying by phone takes a few minutes and your payment is recorded immediately.
For mail payments, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill — usually the MWS lockbox address listed in the payment section. Include your account number on the check. Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive and be processed, so mail early if your due date is approaching.
You can also pay in person at MWS payment centers in Nashville. Walk-in locations accept cash, check, or card. Call 615-862-5900 to confirm hours and locations before you go, since some centers have limited schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at mwsworks.com is the fastest method and lets you pay anytime without waiting for business hours.
- Phone payments (615-862-5900) work during business hours and process immediately when you speak to a representative.
- Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to arrive, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid late fees.
- In-person payment at MWS centers accepts cash, check, or card, but you should call ahead to confirm location and hours.
- Always include your account number with any payment so MWS can match it to your account correctly.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payment (also called autopay) removes the need to remember your due date each month. MWS lets you set this up through their website at mwsworks.com. Log in to your account, go to the billing section, and select the autopay option. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount you set yourself.
Autopay withdraws from your bank account on a date you choose — typically a few days before your due date. This gives you a small buffer if there's a processing delay. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account, so you're not locked in.
If you don't have internet access or prefer not to set up autopay online, call 615-862-5900 and ask a representative to help you enroll over the phone. They can arrange automatic payments from your checking or savings account.
What to do if you can't pay on time
If you know you'll miss your due date, contact MWS before the bill becomes late. Call 615-862-5900 and explain your situation. MWS may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, which keeps your account in good standing and avoids a late fee or service interruption.
Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one and work out the terms with MWS directly. The sooner you call, the more options you'll have. Waiting until after your service is shut off makes it much harder to negotiate.
If you're facing a hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other crisis — ask about MWS's hardship programs when you call. Some utilities in Tennessee offer bill assistance or extended payment terms for customers in genuine difficulty. MWS staff can tell you what's available in your situation.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your MWS bill shows your account number at the top, your current charges, any balance from the previous month, and your total amount due. The due date is clearly marked — typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is mailed. If you pay by the due date, you avoid late fees.
Your bill also breaks down what you're paying for: water service, wastewater service, and any other charges specific to your property. If you see something unfamiliar or think the amount is wrong, call 615-862-5900 to ask about it before you pay. MWS can explain any charge and investigate if there's an error.
Late fees apply if your payment arrives after the due date. The amount varies, but MWS will notify you in writing if your account becomes past due. Service can be interrupted if you fall significantly behind, so paying on time or setting up a payment plan is important.
Paying online step by step
Go to mwsworks.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button on the homepage. Click it and you'll be asked to log in or create an account if you're a new user. Have your account number ready — it's on your bill.
Once logged in, your current bill and balance will appear. Enter the amount you want to pay (the full amount or a partial payment). Choose your payment method: debit card or bank account. If you use a bank account, you'll provide your routing number and account number.
Review the payment details to make sure everything is correct, then submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your payment posts within one business day, and you can check your account online to confirm it went through.
Payment methods and fees
MWS accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. There is no fee to pay by bank account transfer — that's the cheapest option. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment), so check before you use a credit card.
Debit card payments typically have no fee when you pay online or by phone. In-person payments at MWS centers accept cash, check, and card with no fee. Mail payments by check have no fee, but you lose the speed of electronic payment.
If you're on a tight budget, paying by bank account transfer or check costs you nothing extra. If you need to pay by credit card, ask MWS whether the fee applies — some situations may be waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my online payment to show up?
Online payments through mwsworks.com post to your account within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Monday. You'll get a confirmation number immediately when you submit, so you have proof the payment was sent even if it hasn't posted yet.
Can I pay someone else's MWS bill?
Yes. You can pay online using their account number, by phone, or by mail. You don't need to be the account holder. If you're paying by phone or in person, just provide the account number you're paying for. Online, you'll enter their account number when you make the payment.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your bill. If you continue to miss payments, MWS will send you a notice of past due balance. If you fall far enough behind, MWS can shut off your water service. Calling before your due date to set up a payment plan prevents this.
Is there a discount if I pay in full?
MWS does not offer discounts for early or full payment. You pay the same amount whether you pay the full bill at once or set up a payment plan. The only way to lower your bill is to use less water.
Can I change my due date?
Contact MWS at 615-862-5900 to ask about changing your billing date. Some utilities allow this, but it depends on your account type and when your meter is read. Call and ask — they can tell you whether a different due date is possible.