Where to pay York Water Company bills
York Water Company serves customers in south-central Pennsylvania, primarily in York County and surrounding areas. You can pay your bill through several channels: online at yorkcountywater.com, by phone at 717-845-5581, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at their office.
Online payment is the fastest option and lets you see your account balance immediately. The phone line is staffed during business hours and can answer questions about your bill at the same time you pay. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the company, so plan ahead if you use this method.
York Water also offers automatic bank draft, where the payment is withdrawn from your checking account on a set date each month. This eliminates the risk of a late payment and requires you to set it up only once through their website or by calling customer service.
Key Takeaways
- York Water bills can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank draft from your checking account.
- Online and phone payments post to your account within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days.
- Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, and the mailing address if you pay by check.
- Late payments trigger a reconnection fee if service is shut off, so setting up automatic payment removes this risk.
- York Water's customer service line can explain charges on your bill and discuss payment arrangements if you cannot pay in full.
Reading your York Water bill
Your bill shows several key pieces of information. At the top is your account number, the billing period (usually one month), and the due date. The amount due is listed clearly, along with a breakdown of charges: the base service charge, water usage charges, and any taxes or fees.
Water usage is measured in hundreds of gallons (called "CCF" or "hundred cubic feet"). Your bill shows how many CCF you used during the billing period and the rate per CCF. If your usage jumps unexpectedly, it may signal a leak inside your home — a running toilet or dripping pipe can add hundreds of gallons to your bill.
The bill also lists any previous balance you owe and any credits applied. If you have a credit from overpayment or a billing correction, it reduces the amount due this month. Read the back of your bill or visit yorkcountywater.com for an explanation of any line item you do not recognize.
What happens if you miss a payment
York Water bills are due by the date printed on your statement. If payment does not arrive by that date, the company may charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call 717-845-5581 to confirm the current late fee.
If your bill remains unpaid for 30 days or more, York Water may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This notice gives you a window to pay the full amount owed or contact the company to discuss a payment plan. If you do not respond, service can be shut off.
Reconnection after a shutoff requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee, which can be $50 to $100 or more. If you are struggling to pay, contact York Water before the bill becomes severely overdue — the company may offer a payment arrangement that lets you spread the cost over several months.
Payment plans and hardship options
York Water customers who cannot pay their full bill can contact customer service at 717-845-5581 to discuss a payment arrangement. The company may allow you to split your bill into smaller payments over a set number of months, though this typically requires that you stay current on future bills while paying down the past amount.
Pennsylvania also has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that can help with water bills for households below certain income thresholds. LIHEAP is administered by the state and distributed through local agencies. To find your local office, contact your county assistance office or search the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
Some communities in York County also run local assistance programs for water bills. Contact your city or township office to ask whether such a program exists in your area. These programs vary widely in what they cover and who is may be able to access, so asking directly is the fastest way to learn what is available to you.
Checking your account online
The York Water website at yorkcountywater.com lets you view your account without creating a login. Enter your account number (found on your bill) and your service address, and you can see your current balance, recent payment history, and usage trends. This is useful if you want to check whether a payment has posted or compare your water use month to month.
If you set up an online account with a username and password, you can also enroll in automatic payment, receive email reminders before your bill is due, and view detailed usage data. Some customers use this information to spot leaks early — a sudden spike in usage often means water is escaping somewhere in your home.
Disputing charges on your bill
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact York Water customer service at 717-845-5581 with your account number and the specific charge you question. Have your bill in front of you when you call. The company can review your meter reading, check for billing errors, and explain any charge that seems wrong.
Common reasons for higher bills include a meter malfunction, a leak in your home's plumbing, or a change in your household's water use (for example, a new family member or a guest staying longer than usual). York Water can sometimes detect a leak by looking at your usage pattern — if your bill spikes suddenly and stays high, a leak is often the cause.
If York Water finds an error in your favor, they will issue a credit to your account. If the error is in their favor, they may ask you to pay the difference or spread it over future bills. Disputes are usually resolved within one to two billing cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my York Water bill with a credit card?
York Water does not accept credit card payments directly through their website or phone line. You can pay by bank transfer, automatic draft, check, or money order. Some third-party payment processors may accept credit cards for a fee, but this is not an official York Water service.
What if I move and need to close my account?
Contact York Water at least three business days before you move to request a final meter reading and bill. You will be charged for water used up to your move-out date. Provide a forwarding address so your final bill can be mailed to you, and confirm that any deposit or credit is returned.
How do I report a water leak or emergency?
Call York Water's emergency line at 717-845-5581. If it is after hours, the phone system will direct you to an emergency operator. Report the location of the leak and whether it is on your property or in the street. Do not delay — a major leak can waste hundreds of gallons and run up your bill quickly.
Does York Water offer a senior or low-income discount?
York Water does not have a built-in discount program, but Pennsylvania's LIHEAP program can help low-income households pay water bills. Contact your county assistance office to learn whether you may be may be able to access. Some local nonprofits also offer bill payment assistance — ask your city or township office.
Why did my bill increase significantly?
A sudden increase usually means higher usage (often from a leak), a rate increase approved by the Public Utility Commission, or a change in your billing period. Call York Water at 717-845-5581 with your account number to review your usage and confirm the charges are correct.