Where to send your Philadelphia water payment

Philadelphia's water bills are issued and collected by the Philadelphia Water Department. You can pay your bill in four ways: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center.

The fastest method is online at phillywater.org. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. The site accepts payments immediately and shows confirmation right away. Phone payments go through the same system: call 215-685-6300 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). There is no fee for either method.

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and process, so send it early if your due date is approaching. For in-person payment, the Water Department has payment centers in several locations across the city; the main office is at 1101 Market Street, but hours and locations change, so call ahead or check the website.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at phillywater.org or by phone at 215-685-6300 with no fees and immediate confirmation.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • The Water Department charges a late fee if payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the Water Department about payment plans before the bill becomes overdue.

Understanding your bill due date and late fees

Water bills in Philadelphia are issued quarterly (every three months). The due date is printed clearly on the front of your bill, usually 30 days from the issue date. If payment does not arrive by that date, the Water Department adds a late fee to your account.

The late fee amount varies depending on your bill total, but it is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. The Water Department also charges interest on overdue amounts. If your bill remains unpaid for several months, the city can place a lien on your property or shut off your water service, though the department usually sends notices before taking either step.

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, call 215-685-6300 before the deadline. The Water Department offers payment arrangements for customers who are behind. These are not automatic—you must request them—but they can prevent late fees and service shutoff while you catch up.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates

The easiest way to never miss a water bill payment is to set up automatic withdrawal from your bank account. On the Water Department website, you can enroll in AutoPay, which deducts your bill amount on a date you choose each quarter.

AutoPay requires your bank account number and routing number. You can change or cancel the arrangement at any time through your online account. This method eliminates the risk of mail delays or forgetting a due date, and there is no fee to use it.

If you do not have online access or prefer not to use automatic payments, you can still call the Water Department to arrange a payment plan by phone. A staff member will work with you to set up a schedule that fits your budget.

What to do if you receive a shutoff notice

If your water bill is significantly overdue, the Water Department sends a shutoff notice before disconnecting service. The notice includes the amount owed, the date service will be shut off, and instructions for payment or requesting a hearing.

If you receive a shutoff notice, contact the Water Department immediately at 215-685-6300. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, you may be able to arrange a payment plan that stops the shutoff. The department is required to work with you before cutting off service, but you must reach out before the shutoff date listed on the notice.

If your water is shut off, you will need to pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee is separate from your water bill and is non-negotiable. Reconnection typically happens within one business day of payment.

Finding help if you cannot afford your water bill

Philadelphia offers a Tiered Assistance Program for households with low incomes. This program reduces your water and sewer charges based on your household income and size. To learn whether you may be may be able to access, contact the Water Department at 215-685-6300 or visit phillywater.org.

The program is income-based, meaning your bill discount depends on how much your household earns. You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns. The discount is applied to your account once you are approved, and it continues as long as your income remains within the program limits.

If you are behind on your bill and facing shutoff, mention the Tiered Assistance Program when you call. The Water Department can sometimes pause collection action while your application is being reviewed. There are also nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia that help with utility bills; calling 211 (a free referral service) can connect you with local programs.

Checking your account balance and payment history online

You can view your current balance, payment history, and due dates anytime by logging into your account at phillywater.org. You will need your account number and a password you create during registration.

Your online account shows each quarterly bill, the amount you owe, what you have paid, and any late fees or adjustments. This is useful if you want to verify that a payment was received or if you need to dispute a charge. If you spot an error, contact the Water Department with your account number and the details of the discrepancy.

If you do not have internet access, you can call 215-685-6300 to ask about your balance. A staff member can tell you what you owe and when your next payment is due.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?

Yes, the Water Department website accepts credit and debit cards. There is a processing fee for card payments, typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid. Phone payments also accept cards with the same fee. If you want to avoid the fee, pay by bank account withdrawal (AutoPay) or mail a check.

What happens if I move and forget to update my address?

Bills will be sent to your old address, and you may miss your due date without knowing it. Contact the Water Department as soon as you move to update your address. You can do this online, by phone at 215-685-6300, or by mail. Update your address before you move if possible so your next bill goes to the right place.

How do I dispute a charge on my water bill?

Call the Water Department at 215-685-6300 with your account number and an explanation of what you believe is wrong. They will review your account and may send a technician to check your meter if you think the usage amount is incorrect. Keep records of any communication in case you need to follow up.

Is there a grace period after the due date?

No. Late fees begin immediately after the due date shown on your bill. If your payment arrives even one day late, a fee is added. To avoid this, mail payments at least 10 days early or pay online before the due date.

Can I set up a payment plan if I owe multiple quarters of bills?

Yes. Call 215-685-6300 and explain how much you owe and when you can begin paying. The Water Department will work with you to create a schedule. You must make payments on time according to the plan, or the arrangement may be cancelled and shutoff proceedings could resume.