Fort Worth Water Department bills can be paid through their official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers — each method has different processing times and fees.
The City of Fort Worth Water Department sends combined water, wastewater, and stormwater bills monthly. You can pay the full amount due or make a partial payment at any time. The method you choose affects how quickly your payment posts to your account and whether you incur a convenience fee.
Most residents pay online through the city's official billing portal, which processes payments when ready and costs nothing. Phone and in-person payments are also free. Only third-party payment processors charge fees, typically 2 to 3 percent of the bill amount.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's official website (fortworthtexas.gov/water) posts the same day and has no fee.
- Phone payments to the city directly at 817-392-8800 are free and take one to two business days to post.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take five to seven business days to clear.
- In-person payments at Fort Worth Water Department offices or authorized payment centers are processed when ready with no fee.
- Third-party payment services charge convenience fees of 2 to 3 percent and should only be used if you cannot access the city's free methods.
Paying Online Through the City's Official Portal
The fastest and most common way to pay is through the city's online billing system at fortworthtexas.gov/water. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment posts the same day you submit it, and there is no fee.
To set up an account, go to the website and select "Pay My Bill" or "Manage My Account." You can create a login using your email address and account number. Once logged in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and due date. You can also set up automatic recurring payments if you prefer not to pay manually each month.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, the city offers other free methods that do not charge convenience fees.
Paying by Phone Without a Convenience Fee
Call the Fort Worth Water Department directly at 817-392-8800 to pay by phone. This is a free service — the city does not charge a convenience fee for phone payments. You will need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information ready. The payment typically posts to your account within one to two business days.
Phone lines are open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. If you call outside these hours, you may reach an automated system that allows you to leave a payment request, though it will be processed the next business day. Ask the representative for confirmation of your payment and the expected posting date.
Mailing a Check or Money Order
You can mail a payment to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to arrive and post to your account, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.
Send your payment to the mailing address listed on your bill statement. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. If you are concerned about timing, call the Water Department to confirm your payment was received.
Paying In Person at Fort Worth Water Department Offices
You can pay in person at the Fort Worth Water Department's main office or at authorized payment centers throughout the city. In-person payments are processed when ready and have no fee. Bring your bill or account number and cash, check, or card.
The main Water Department office is located at 1500 East Weather ford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours and additional payment locations are listed on the city's website. Payments made in person before the close of business post the same day.
Understanding Late Fees and Disconnection Notices
Water bills are due by the date printed on your statement. If payment is not received by that date, the city charges a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of the bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call the Water Department for the exact amount in your area.
If your bill remains unpaid for 30 days or more past the due date, the city may send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a set number of days to pay before water service is shut off. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the Water Department when ready to discuss payment arrangements or hardship options.
Avoiding Third-Party Payment Services and Their Fees
Some third-party payment processors advertise the ability to pay your Fort Worth water bill online. These services charge convenience fees of 2 to 3 percent of your bill amount — money that goes to the processor, not to the city. For a $100 bill, this means paying an extra $2 to $3.
The city's own online portal, phone line, and in-person options are all free. There is no reason to use a third-party service unless you have a specific reason you cannot access the city's methods. If you do use a third party, confirm that your payment is going to the correct account and keep proof of the transaction.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
If you want to avoid thinking about your water bill each month, you can set up automatic payments through the city's online portal. You choose the payment date and amount, and the city withdraws the money from your bank account or card on that date each month. This is free and reduces the risk of late fees.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you set up automatic payments for the full bill amount, your account will be paid in full each month. If you set a lower amount, you will still receive a bill for any remaining balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. The amount depends on your bill size. If your bill is unpaid for 30 days or more, the city sends a disconnection notice and may shut off your water service if you do not pay within the timeframe given in the notice.
Can I pay just part of my bill?
Yes. You can make a partial payment at any time through any payment method. The remaining balance will appear on your next bill. Partial payments do not stop late fees from accruing on the unpaid portion if it is not paid by the due date.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online payments show a confirmation number when ready. Phone and in-person payments should be confirmed with the representative. For mail payments, check your account online or call the Water Department after five to seven business days to confirm receipt.
What if I cannot afford my water bill?
Contact the Fort Worth Water Department at 817-392-8800 to discuss your situation. The city may offer payment plans or information about hardship programs. Do not ignore the bill — communicating with the department before disconnection is your best option.
Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?
The city does not offer discounts for advance payment. You pay the same rate whether you pay monthly or in advance. However, paying early or setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date and avoid late fees.