Where to pay your WSSC bill
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) serves about 1.9 million people across Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland. You can pay your sewer and water bill through several methods, and the fastest route depends on whether you want to pay right now or set up automatic payments.
WSSC accepts payments online through their website, by phone, by mail, and in person at payment centers. Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach WSSC, so if your bill is due soon, mail is the slowest choice.
You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, but creating one lets you see your bill history, set up autopay, and get email reminders. Your account number appears on your bill — it is a 10-digit number printed near the top.
Key Takeaways
- WSSC bills arrive monthly and show both water and sewer charges; you pay one bill to cover both services.
- Online payment through the WSSC website is fastest and posts within one business day, with no fee for standard processing.
- Automatic payments from your bank account remove the need to remember due dates and prevent late fees.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact WSSC directly to discuss payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
- Late payments trigger a 10% penalty on the unpaid balance, so paying even a partial amount on time is better than waiting.
Paying online without creating an account
Go to the WSSC website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" option on the homepage. You will need your 10-digit account number and the amount you want to pay. Enter your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and confirm the payment.
WSSC does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website using a bank account. If you use a credit or debit card, a processing fee applies; WSSC shows you the fee amount before you confirm, so you can decide whether to proceed or use a different method.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The payment posts to your account within one business day, though it may not show on your bill until the next billing cycle.
Setting up automatic payments
Autopay removes the risk of forgetting a due date and triggering a late fee. Log into your WSSC account (or create one first), then look for "Autopay," "Auto Pay," or "Recurring Payments" in the account settings menu.
You can set autopay to deduct from your bank account on a date you choose — usually the due date shown on your bill, or a few days before. WSSC will deduct the full bill amount each month unless you change the settings. If your bill amount varies (which it usually does with water usage), autopay deducts whatever the current bill is.
You can pause or cancel autopay anytime through your account. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact WSSC customer service at least two business days before the scheduled deduction date.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call WSSC customer service at 301-206-4001. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day you call and post within one business day. WSSC charges a fee for phone payments made with a credit or debit card; bank account payments by phone have no fee.
If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Do not mail cash. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date if you want to avoid a late fee.
WSSC also accepts payments in person at their payment centers during business hours. Locations and hours are listed on the WSSC website under "Payment Centers" or "Where to Pay."
Understanding your bill and due date
Your WSSC bill shows the amount due and the due date near the top. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after the due date, WSSC adds a 10% penalty to the unpaid balance — this is not a fee, but a percentage of what you owe.
Your bill breaks down charges into water service, sewer service, and sometimes stormwater service, depending on your property. Each line shows the rate per unit (usually per 100 cubic feet of water used) and the total charge. If your bill seems high, check whether your water usage increased — a leak in a toilet or outdoor faucet can raise your bill significantly.
WSSC sends bills monthly. If you do not receive a bill, log into your account online to see whether it has been issued, or call customer service to request a copy.
What to do if you cannot pay in full
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact WSSC customer service before your account becomes delinquent. WSSC offers payment plans for customers facing hardship, and speaking with them early gives you more options than waiting until your service is at risk of disconnection.
Payment plans typically allow you to spread your bill over several months. The terms depend on the amount owed and your situation. WSSC may also have programs for low-income households; ask customer service whether you meet the income thresholds.
Partial payments are accepted and do not trigger the 10% late penalty as long as you pay something by the due date. If you can pay part of your bill on time and arrange a plan for the rest, that is better than missing the due date entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my WSSC bill with a credit card online?
Yes, but WSSC charges a processing fee when you use a credit or debit card. The fee is shown before you confirm payment. Paying from a bank account online has no fee, so that is the cheapest option if you have one.
What happens if I miss the due date?
WSSC adds a 10% penalty to the unpaid balance. If you remain behind for 60 days, WSSC may send a notice of intent to disconnect service. Paying any amount before the due date, even if it is not the full bill, stops the penalty from applying to that portion.
How do I know if my payment went through?
You will receive a confirmation number immediately after paying online or by phone. Log into your account the next business day to see whether the payment has posted. If you mailed a check, call customer service after 10 days to confirm receipt.
Can I change my autopay date or amount?
You can change the date anytime through your account settings. The amount adjusts automatically each month to match your bill. If you want to pay a fixed amount instead, contact WSSC customer service to discuss options.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Contact WSSC customer service with your account number and the specific charges you question. They can review your meter reading and usage history. If there is a leak on your property, WSSC may adjust your bill or offer a one-time adjustment; ask about their leak adjustment policy.