The fastest way to pay is through the Department of Public Works website or by phone
Baltimore City residents can pay their water bill online at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov, by phone at 311 (or 410-396-3100 from outside the city), or by mail. The online portal lets you pay when ready with a bank account or debit card. Phone payment takes a few minutes and works the same way. If you mail a check, allow at least 10 business days for it to reach the office and post to your account.
You will need your account number to pay online or by phone — it appears on your bill in the upper right corner. If you do not have a bill in front of you, you can look up your account number on the website by entering your address and the last four digits of your phone number.
The Department of Public Works does not charge a fee for online or phone payment made directly from your bank account. If you use a debit or credit card online, a processing fee applies — the website will show you the exact amount before you confirm the payment.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov, by phone at 311, or by mail; online and phone payments post within one to two business days.
- You need your account number, which is on your bill or can be found by entering your address on the city website.
- Bank account payments have no fee; debit or credit card payments include a processing fee shown before you confirm.
- If your bill is past due, you can still pay online or by phone, and the city offers payment plans for amounts over $250.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed bills
The city's online portal allows you to set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments. To do this, log into your account on the Department of Public Works website, select your account, and choose the payment frequency — monthly, quarterly, or on a date you set. Automatic payments come from your bank account and have no fee.
Automatic payments are useful if you want to may support your bill is paid on time every month without having to remember to log in. You can change or cancel the arrangement at any time through your online account. If you prefer not to use the website, you can call 311 and ask a representative to set up automatic payments over the phone.
What happens if your bill is overdue
If your water bill is past due, you can still pay online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods described above. The city does not require you to call first or take any special step — you straightforward pay the full amount owed, including any late fees that have been added.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, the Department of Public Works offers payment plans for bills over $250. To set up a plan, call 311 or visit the office in person at 200 Holliday Street. A payment plan typically spreads your balance over several months, and you must make the first payment before the plan begins. If you miss a payment on the plan, the city may resume collection efforts.
Paying in person or by mail
You can pay your water bill in person at the Department of Public Works office at 200 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Payment by check, money order, or cash is accepted. Bring your bill or account number so the payment posts to the correct account.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "Department of Public Works" and include your account number on the back. Mail it to: Department of Public Works, 200 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Allow 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post. Do not send cash by mail.
Understanding your bill and when payment is due
Baltimore City water bills are issued quarterly — roughly every three months. The due date appears on your bill and is typically 30 days from the issue date. Your bill shows your account number, the amount owed, the due date, and a breakdown of charges for water, sewer, and stormwater services.
If you do not receive your bill in the mail, you can view it online by logging into your account on the Department of Public Works website. You can also sign up for email notifications so you receive a reminder when your bill is ready. This is a useful way to stay on top of your due date if you move frequently or prefer not to receive paper bills.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online (bank account) | 1–2 business days | None |
| Online (debit/credit card) | 1–2 business days | Processing fee applies |
| Phone (bank account) | 1–2 business days | None |
| Phone (debit/credit card) | 1–2 business days | Processing fee applies |
| In person (cash, check, money order) | Same day | None |
| Mail (check or money order) | 10 business days | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?
Yes, but only online or by phone. Credit card payments include a processing fee. Bank account payments have no fee, so if you have the option, paying from your checking or savings account costs less.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up right away?
Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still does not appear on your account, call 311 and provide your confirmation number from the payment. A representative can look up the transaction and confirm it was received.
Do I need to create an account to pay online?
No. You can make a one-time payment without logging in by entering your account number and bill amount. Creating an account is optional and is useful only if you want to view your bill history, set up automatic payments, or sign up for email reminders.
What if I move and want to transfer my account?
Contact the Department of Public Works at 311 to close your account at your old address and open one at your new address. You can do this by phone, online, or in person. Provide your old and new addresses and the date you are moving. Any balance owed at your old address must be paid before the account closes.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. If you are paying in person or by mail, include the account number so the payment posts correctly.