Where to send your Philadelphia water payment
The Water Revenue Bureau is the city department that bills and collects payments for water and sewer service in Philadelphia. When you get a water bill in the mail, it comes from them. To pay it, you have several routes: online through their website, by mail to their lockbox address, in person at a payment center, or by phone.
The fastest and most direct method is paying online at the Water Revenue Bureau's website. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments from your bank account. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill, call their payment line, or visit a city payment center in person.
Whichever method you choose, have your account number ready — it appears on the front of your bill and makes sure your payment reaches the right account. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- The Water Revenue Bureau collects water and sewer payments for Philadelphia residents and businesses.
- Online payment through their website is the fastest method and lets you pay immediately without mailing delays.
- Automatic monthly payments from your bank account prevent missed payments and late fees.
- Your account number, printed on your bill, must be included with any payment so it posts correctly.
- Mail payments take 10 business days to reach the lockbox, so send them early if a due date is approaching.
Paying online through the Water Revenue Bureau website
Go to the Water Revenue Bureau's online payment portal and enter your account number and service address. The system will pull up your current balance and any past-due amounts. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a recurring monthly payment.
Online payments are processed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number. This confirmation is your proof of payment — save it or print it. The payment itself usually posts to your account within one business day, so you can check your balance online the next morning to confirm it went through.
If you want to avoid logging in each month, you can enroll in automatic payments. The Bureau will deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the same portal.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the front of your check or money order. Include the payment stub from your bill if you have it — the stub has your account number printed on it and helps the Bureau sort incoming mail faster. Put the check and stub in an envelope and mail it to the lockbox address printed on your bill.
The lockbox is a processing center, not the Bureau's main office. Mail sent there takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail — use online payment or call instead. Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date, even if you mailed it on time.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If you need to confirm the payment posted, you can log into your online account or call the Bureau after 10 business days have passed.
Paying by phone or in person
Call the Water Revenue Bureau's payment line to pay by debit card or credit card over the phone. The phone number is on your bill. Have your account number and card information ready. A representative will process the payment immediately and give you a confirmation number.
Credit and debit card payments over the phone may include a processing fee — ask the representative what the fee is before you authorize the charge. This fee is separate from your water bill and is added to the amount charged to your card.
You can also pay in person at a city payment center. Locations are listed on the Water Revenue Bureau website. Bring your bill or account number and cash, check, or card. In-person payments are posted immediately, and you will receive a receipt on the spot.
Setting up a payment plan if you owe past-due amounts
If your bill is overdue and you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the Water Revenue Bureau directly to discuss a payment plan. You can call their main line or visit in person. Explain your situation and ask what monthly amounts they will accept.
The Bureau may offer a plan that spreads your debt over several months. While you are on a payment plan, continue paying your current monthly bill on time — the plan covers only the past-due balance. If you miss a payment on the plan, the Bureau may cancel it and pursue collection action, including a lien on your property or service shutoff.
Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one and reach an agreement with the Bureau. Getting a plan in writing protects both you and the Bureau, so ask for written confirmation of the terms.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your water bill shows the amount due and the due date. Bills are typically due 30 days from the date printed on them. If you pay after the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill. If you are more than 60 days late, the Bureau may shut off your water service.
Your bill also shows your account number, service address, and current meter reading. The amount you owe covers both water use and sewer service — they are billed together on one statement. If you think your bill is wrong, contact the Bureau to request a meter check or billing review before you pay.
Some bills include notices about payment assistance programs or hardship options. Read these carefully — they may describe ways to reduce your bill or get help if you are struggling to pay.
What to do if you did not receive your bill
If you did not get a bill in the mail, log into your online account to see your current balance and due date. You can pay what you owe without the physical bill — your account number is all you need. The online portal shows your full payment history and any past-due amounts.
If you do not have an online account set up, call the Water Revenue Bureau and give them your service address. They will tell you what you owe and when it is due. Ask them to confirm your mailing address on file — if it is wrong, update it so future bills reach you.
Paying on time even without a physical bill is important. The Bureau does not waive late fees because you did not receive the bill in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your next bill if payment arrives after the due date. If you are 60 or more days late, the Water Revenue Bureau may shut off your water service without further notice. Once service is shut off, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it.
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the Water Revenue Bureau's online portal accepts credit and debit cards. There may be a processing fee added to your payment. Paying by bank account transfer through the same portal usually has no fee, so that is the cheapest option if you have a checking account.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments post within one business day. You can check your account balance the next morning to confirm the payment went through. If you need proof immediately, your confirmation number from the payment screen serves as proof until the payment posts.
What if I moved and my bill is going to the old address?
Call the Water Revenue Bureau and provide your new address. Ask them to update it in their system right away. You can also update your address online if you have an account set up. Until the change takes effect, you can still pay online using your account number — you do not need the physical bill.
Is there a way to lower my water bill if I cannot afford it?
The Water Revenue Bureau offers a Tiered Assistance Program for households that meet income limits. Contact them directly to learn whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you need to provide. They can also discuss payment plans if you are behind on your bill.