Where to pay and what payment methods Philadelphia Water accepts
Philadelphia Water, the city's municipal water and sewer utility, accepts payments through four main channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Each method has different timing and fees, so the right choice depends on when your bill is due and how you prefer to handle money.
The fastest way is online at phillywater.org. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. Credit card payments charge a 2.49% fee; debit cards and bank transfers have no fee. Online payments typically post within one business day.
By phone, call Philadelphia Water's customer service at 215-685-6300. You can pay with a debit or credit card over the phone. This method also charges the 2.49% credit card fee if you use a card. Phone payments process the same day if you call before 4 p.m. on a business day.
Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number and a check or money order. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 days to arrive and process, so send it at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late payment.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at phillywater.org with a bank account transfer is free and posts within one business day.
- Credit and debit card payments charge a 2.49% fee whether you pay online or by phone.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to process, so send them at least two weeks before your due date.
- Late payments trigger a 10% penalty on the unpaid balance plus interest, and service can be shut off after 60 days of non-payment.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact Philadelphia Water about a payment plan before your account falls behind.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Philadelphia Water offers autopay through their website, which deducts money from your bank account on the due date each month. You choose the payment date and can change or cancel it anytime.
To enroll, log into your account at phillywater.org, go to the billing section, and select "Set Up Autopay." You will need your bank account number and routing number. Autopay from a bank account has no fee and is the cheapest way to pay regularly.
If you miss a payment or want to pay early, you can make a one-time payment outside of autopay without affecting your scheduled automatic deduction. This flexibility lets you handle unexpected bills or catch up if you fall behind.
Understanding your bill and due date
Philadelphia Water bills arrive monthly and show your water usage, sewer charges, and any stormwater fees. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. Your bill will state the exact due date in large print near the top.
The bill lists your account number, which you need for any payment method. Keep this number handy — it speeds up phone payments and helps customer service find your account if you call with questions.
If you do not receive a bill, you can view it online by creating an account at phillywater.org. You can also request a paper bill be mailed to you, though online access is faster and lets you see your bill as soon as it is issued.
What happens if you miss a payment
A payment is late if it does not arrive by the due date printed on your bill. Philadelphia Water charges a 10% penalty on any unpaid balance, plus interest. The penalty applies once and does not compound each month, but interest continues to accrue on the full amount owed.
After 30 days of non-payment, Philadelphia Water sends a notice warning that service may be shut off. After 60 days, the utility can disconnect your water without further notice. Reconnection requires paying the full balance plus a reconnection fee, which varies but is typically $50 to $100.
If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Philadelphia Water before the due date. The utility offers payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. A payment plan stops the late penalty from being added and prevents disconnection while you pay down the balance.
Payment plans and hardship programs
Philadelphia Water's payment plan program lets you pay an overdue balance in installments over 12 months. You must contact the utility to set up a plan, and you must stay current on new bills while paying the old balance. Missing a payment on the plan can result in disconnection.
To request a payment plan, call 215-685-6300 or visit a Philadelphia Water payment center in person. Have your account number and a rough idea of how much you can pay each month. Customer service will calculate a monthly amount that fits within the 12-month window.
If you face financial hardship, ask about the Customer Assistance Program when you call. This program may reduce your bill or provide one-time help with arrears. Income limits apply, and you will need to provide proof of income and household size. The program is limited and funds run out, so call early in the year for the best chance of receiving help.
In-person payment locations
Philadelphia Water operates payment centers where you can pay by cash, check, or debit card in person. The main office is located at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your bill or account number.
Several neighborhood payment centers are also open during business hours. You can find the full list and hours on the Philadelphia Water website under "Pay Your Bill." In-person payments are processed the same day, so your account is credited immediately.
Paying in person is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to use cash. It also lets you ask questions about your bill or payment plan in real time with a customer service representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Philadelphia Water bill with a credit card without a fee?
No. Credit card payments charge a 2.49% fee whether you pay online or by phone. Bank account transfers and checks have no fee. If you want to avoid the credit card fee, use your debit card or bank account instead.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up right away?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not appear, call 215-685-6300 with your confirmation number from the payment. Customer service can verify the payment was received and track when it will be applied to your account.
How long do I have to pay before my water is shut off?
Philadelphia Water can disconnect service after 60 days of non-payment. A notice is sent at 30 days warning that disconnection may occur. If you contact the utility before 60 days and set up a payment plan, disconnection can be prevented while you pay the balance.
Can I set up autopay if I do not have a bank account?
Autopay requires a bank account for the free option. If you do not have a bank account, you can pay by check, cash, or credit card at a payment center, or call to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. Some community organizations and libraries offer check-cashing services if you need help.
What is the difference between the water bill and the sewer bill?
Both appear on the same bill from Philadelphia Water. The water charge is based on how much water you use. The sewer charge is based on the same amount of water (the assumption is that water used becomes wastewater). You pay both together in one payment.