Where to pay your Baltimore water bill

Baltimore's water and sewer bills are managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW). You can pay online through their official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online portal is the fastest option — payments post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time.

The official payment website is baltimorecity.gov/water. This is the only site you should use to avoid scams or third-party fees. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper right corner.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you have other routes. The city operates payment centers where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. Phone payments are also available, though they may carry a small fee depending on the payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at baltimorecity.gov/water using your account number — this is the fastest method and posts the same business day.
  • Phone payments are available by calling the DPW customer service line, though some payment methods may include a processing fee.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
  • In-person payment centers accept cash, check, and card; locations and hours are listed on the city's website.
  • Late fees begin 30 days after the bill due date, and service can be shut off for accounts more than 60 days past due.

Paying online through the city portal

Go to baltimorecity.gov/water and look for the "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your service address or the phone number associated with the account. The system will then display your current balance and due date.

You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer (ACH). Credit and debit card payments may carry a processing fee of around 2.5 percent, though this varies. ACH transfers from your bank account typically have no fee. Choose the payment method that works for your situation, enter the amount you want to pay, and confirm the transaction.

The payment will post to your account the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time. If you submit after 5 p.m., it will post the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number when ready — save this for your records in case you need to dispute the payment later.

Paying by phone

Call the DPW customer service line at (410) 396-5398 to pay by phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information for an ACH transfer.

Phone payments processed by card typically include a fee. ACH payments by phone may also carry a fee depending on the payment processor the city uses. Ask the representative what the fee will be before you authorize the payment. The payment will post within one to two business days.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "Baltimore City" and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes based on which payment processing center handles your account, so always use the one on your statement.

Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. If you are close to a late fee important date, mail is not a reliable option. Send mail payments at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees. Keep a copy of your check or the confirmation number from your bank's online bill pay system for your records.

Paying in person at a payment center

The city operates several payment centers where you can pay with cash, check, or card. Locations include the main DPW office and satellite centers throughout Baltimore. Hours vary by location, so check the city website before you go.

Bring your account number and your bill if possible. Payment centers accept exact cash or change, so bring the right amount if you are paying in cash. In-person payments post to your account the same day or the next business day, depending on when you pay.

What happens if you miss a payment

Late fees begin 30 days after your bill's due date. The fee is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance, though the exact amount depends on your bill size. If your account reaches 60 days past due, the city may shut off your water service without further notice.

If you cannot pay your full bill, contact DPW customer service to discuss a payment plan. The city sometimes offers arrangements that let you pay in installments over several months. You must contact them before your account reaches 60 days past due — once service is shut off, reconnection requires a deposit and a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance.

Setting up automatic payments

The city's online portal allows you to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. This is useful if you want to avoid late fees and do not want to remember to pay each month. Log into baltimorecity.gov/water, find the automatic payment option, and enter your bank account information.

You can choose to pay your full bill amount each month or a fixed amount of your choice. The payment will be withdrawn on the date you select, usually a few days before the due date. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my account number?

Your account number is printed on your water bill in the upper right corner. It is usually a 10-digit number. If you do not have a bill, call DPW customer service at (410) 396-5398 and provide your service address — they will give you the account number.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using their account number without needing to be the account holder. If paying by mail or in person, include the account number clearly on the check or tell the payment center representative which account you are paying for.

What if I pay online but the payment does not show up?

Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. Online payments post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m., or the next business day if submitted after. If more than two business days have passed, call customer service at (410) 396-5398 with your confirmation number.

Is there a discount for paying the full bill early?

Baltimore does not offer early payment discounts on water bills. However, paying on time avoids late fees, which begin 30 days after the due date. Automatic payment is a straightforward way to may support you never miss a due date.

What if I think my bill is wrong?

Contact DPW customer service at (410) 396-5398 to dispute the amount. Have your bill and account number ready. The city will review your meter reading and usage history. You should still pay the undisputed portion of your bill on time to avoid late fees while the dispute is being reviewed.