Pay your bill directly through the Virginia Water & Sewer Authority website
The Virginia Water & Sewer Authority (VWSA) operates a bill payment portal at www.vwsa.org where you can pay your water and sewer bill online using a bank account or credit card. You will need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any email notice from VWSA. The payment processes immediately, and you receive a confirmation number you should save for your records.
The online portal also shows your current balance, recent payment history, and usage information. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic recurring payments, which deduct money from your account on a date you choose each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee.
If you do not have online access or prefer not to use the portal, VWSA accepts payments by phone, mail, and in person at their office. The bill itself lists all payment methods and the mailing address.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at www.vwsa.org using your account number and either a bank account or credit card.
- Online payments process immediately and generate a confirmation number for your records.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments through the portal prevents missed due dates and late fees.
- VWSA also accepts payments by phone, mail, and in-person if you prefer not to use the online portal.
- Your bill shows the due date, late fee amount, and all alternative payment methods if you need them.
What information you need before you pay online
Gather your account number before logging into the VWSA payment portal. This 8 to 10-digit number appears in the upper right corner of your paper bill, usually near your name and address. If you no longer have a paper bill, check any email notices VWSA has sent you — they include the account number as well.
You will also need either a checking or savings account number (for bank transfers) or a credit or debit card number. The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you are paying by card, have the card's expiration date and the three-digit security code ready.
The payment amount is shown on your bill under "Amount Due" or "Total Due This Month." If you want to pay more than the minimum — for example, to catch up on a past-due balance — you can enter a custom amount in the portal.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into the VWSA portal, select "Enroll in AutoPay" or a similar option (the exact wording varies slightly), and choose the date each month when you want the payment to come out of your account. Most people choose a date shortly after payday or when they know funds will be available.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal. If your bill amount changes — for example, if you use significantly more water one month — the portal will deduct whatever amount is due on your chosen date. Check your bank statement each month to confirm the payment went through, especially during your first few months of enrollment.
Late fees typically range from $10 to $25 depending on your locality, and they are added to your next bill if payment arrives after the due date shown on your statement. Automatic payments eliminate this risk entirely.
Paying by phone or mail if you do not use the online portal
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the number listed on your bill — VWSA's customer service line — and have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will process the payment while you are on the call and provide a confirmation number. Phone payments typically process the same day.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to the Virginia Water & Sewer Authority and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. Payment by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach VWSA and post to your account, so send it well before the due date to avoid a late fee.
In-person payments are also available at VWSA's office during business hours. The bill lists the office address and hours. You can pay with cash, check, or card in person.
Understanding your bill and what you are paying for
Your VWSA bill includes charges for water service, sewer service, and sometimes stormwater management, depending on your location. The bill shows your meter reading from the current month and the previous month, so you can see how much water you used. Most bills charge a base or fixed fee plus a per-gallon rate for usage above a certain threshold.
If your bill is higher than usual, check whether you used more water that month — a leak in a toilet or outdoor faucet can cause a sudden spike. If usage looks normal but the bill increased, the rate itself may have changed. VWSA publishes rate changes in advance and notifies customers by mail or email.
The due date is clearly marked on the bill. Payment is considered on time if it reaches VWSA by that date. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact VWSA's customer service to discuss payment plans or hardship programs that may be available in your area.
What to do if you have trouble accessing the online portal
If you forget your password, the VWSA website has a "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Click it, enter your account number, and follow the instructions to reset your password. A reset link will be sent to the email address on file with VWSA.
If you cannot log in even after resetting your password, or if the portal is not accepting your account number, call VWSA's customer service line. A representative can verify your account information and help you troubleshoot. They can also process a payment over the phone while you resolve the login issue.
If you see an error message during payment — for example, "Payment declined" — check that your card or bank account information is entered correctly, including the expiration date and security code. If the error persists, try a different payment method or call customer service to pay by phone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay online through the VWSA portal?
VWSA does not charge a fee for paying online through their official portal at www.vwsa.org. However, if you use a third-party bill payment service or pay by credit card through a third-party processor, that service may charge a convenience fee. Always pay directly through VWSA's website to avoid extra charges.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments through the VWSA portal process immediately and you receive a confirmation number right away. However, it may take one to two business days for the payment to appear in your account history on the portal itself. Your bank will deduct the funds from your account within one business day.
Can I pay someone else's VWSA bill if I have their account number?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. The portal does not require you to be the account holder to make a payment. However, if you want to view the account details or set up automatic payments, you will need to contact VWSA to be added as an authorized user.
What happens if I miss the due date?
A late fee is added to your next bill if payment arrives after the due date. The amount varies by location but is typically $10 to $25. If you are unable to pay by the due date, contact VWSA's customer service before the date passes to discuss options. Some areas offer payment plans or hardship assistance.
Can I set up automatic payments with a credit card instead of a bank account?
The VWSA portal accepts credit and debit cards for one-time payments. For automatic recurring payments, most utilities prefer bank account information because it costs them less to process. Check the portal during enrollment to see which payment methods are available for AutoPay in your area.