Cal Water's main payment methods and where to use them

California Water Service (Cal Water) lets you pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online method is fastest — payments post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time. Phone payments and in-person payments also post same-day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the company, so plan ahead if your due date is near.

You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, though having one lets you set up automatic payments and view your bill history. The account is free and takes about five minutes to set up on the Cal Water website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through Cal Water's website post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time, making it the fastest option.
  • You can pay by phone at 1-800-221-0017 without creating an account, and the payment posts the same day.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Automatic payments from your bank account or debit card eliminate the need to remember your due date each month.
  • Cal Water accepts payments at in-person payment centers in some service areas, though availability varies by location.

Paying online through the Cal Water website

Go to calwater.com and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement. If you do not have an account yet, you can still make a one-time payment by entering your account number and service address instead of logging in.

Enter your payment amount and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Cal Water charges a fee for credit card payments (usually 2.5 to 3 percent of the amount) but not for debit card or bank account payments. The website will show you the fee before you confirm. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to dispute the payment later.

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. If you are paying close to your due date, call 1-800-221-0017 to confirm the payment posted before your account is marked late.

Paying by phone or automated system

Call 1-800-221-0017 to speak with a representative or use the automated phone system. The automated system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account to pay. Credit card payments over the phone are also available but carry the same fee as online credit card payments.

Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. The representative or automated system will give you a confirmation number when the payment is submitted. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Paying by mail

Make your check or money order payable to California Water Service and mail it to the address on your bill. Do not send cash. Include your account number on the check or money order so the payment is matched to your account correctly.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail — use online or phone payment instead. If you are mailing a payment and your account is already past due, call 1-800-221-0017 to let them know a payment is in the mail and ask whether they will hold off on late fees while it arrives.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your Cal Water account on calwater.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month. You can set the payment date to any day of the month.

Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account or debit card on the date you choose. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account. If you cancel, you will need to pay future bills manually.

In-person payment centers and other locations

Cal Water operates payment centers in some service areas. Check calwater.com for the location nearest you and its hours. Payment centers accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Payments made in person before the center closes post the same day.

Some grocery stores and utility payment networks also accept Cal Water payments. These third-party locations may charge a fee. Call 1-800-221-0017 to ask which payment locations are available in your area.

What to do if you miss your due date

Cal Water charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is typically a percentage of your bill amount. If you miss the due date, pay as soon as you can — the longer you wait, the more interest and fees accumulate.

If you are having trouble paying your bill, call 1-800-221-0017 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Cal Water may be able to spread your payment over several months or connect you with local information programs if you may have access to based on income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Cal Water bill with a credit card without a fee?

No. Cal Water charges a fee (usually 2.5 to 3 percent) for credit card payments made online or by phone. Debit cards and bank account payments have no fee. The fee is shown on the website before you confirm the payment.

How do I know if my payment posted to my account?

Log into your Cal Water account on calwater.com and check your payment history under "Billing & Payments." You can also call 1-800-221-0017 and a representative will confirm whether your payment has posted. Keep your confirmation number from the payment in case you need to dispute it later.

What happens if I pay late?

Cal Water charges a late fee, usually a percentage of your bill. Interest also begins to accrue on the unpaid balance. If you continue to miss payments, your service may be shut off. Call 1-800-221-0017 when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss payment plans or information.

Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?

Yes. Log into your account on calwater.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay" to change the date or amount. You can also cancel automatic payments at any time and return to manual payments.

Is there a way to lower my bill if I cannot afford it?

Cal Water offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months. You may also be may be able to access for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which reduces rates for low-income households. Call 1-800-221-0017 to ask about both options.