Where to Pay and What You'll Need

The Philadelphia Water Department accepts payments through three main channels: online at their website, by phone, or by mail. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, to pay through any method. If you're paying online or by phone for the first time, have your bill in front of you so you can enter the account number correctly.

Online payment is the fastest option. You can pay when ready without waiting for a check to arrive or speaking to someone on the phone. Phone payment takes a few minutes and connects you to a representative who can answer questions about your balance. Mail payment is the slowest but requires no technology — you write a check, include your account number, and send it to the address printed on your bill.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at the Philadelphia Water Department website, by phone at 215-685-6300, or by mailing a check to the address on your bill.
  • Online payments typically post within one business day, while phone payments are processed when ready, and mailed checks take seven to ten business days to clear.
  • If you set up automatic payments, the Water Department will deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose each month.
  • The Water Department does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system, but some third-party payment platforms may charge a convenience fee.

Paying Online Through the Water Department Website

Go to the Philadelphia Water Department's official website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" option. You'll enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. The system will then ask for your payment method — either a bank account (for electronic check) or a debit or credit card.

If you use a bank account, the payment is free and posts within one business day. If you use a debit or credit card, the Water Department may charge a processing fee, usually between 2 and 3 percent of the payment amount. The website will show you the fee before you confirm, so you'll know the total cost before your payment goes through.

After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. If there's ever a question about whether your payment arrived, this number proves you sent it.

Paying by Phone

Call the Philadelphia Water Department's customer service line at 215-685-6300. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. They'll then ask for your payment method — bank account or debit or credit card — and process the payment while you're on the phone.

Phone payments are processed when ready, so if you're close to a due date or a late fee, this is the fastest way to stop it. Like online payments, using a bank account is free, and using a card may incur a processing fee. The representative will tell you the fee before charging you.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. This serves the same purpose as an online confirmation — proof that you made the payment on that date.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

If you want your bill paid the same way every month without having to log in or call, you can set up automatic payments through the Water Department's website. You'll choose a date each month when the payment should be deducted from your bank account, and the system will pull the full bill amount automatically.

Automatic payments are always free when drawn from a bank account. You can change or cancel the automatic payment at any time through your account settings, so you're not locked in. If your bill amount changes significantly one month, you can log in and adjust the payment before the deduction date.

Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees without thinking about it, but they do require you to monitor your bank account to make sure the deduction goes through. If your account doesn't have enough money on the payment date, the deduction will fail and you'll owe a late fee.

Paying by Mail

Write a check for the amount you owe and include your account number on the check itself or on a separate piece of paper in the envelope. 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 address on your specific bill rather than looking up a general address.

Mailed checks typically take seven to ten business days to clear, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date if you want to avoid a late fee. The Water Department counts the payment as received on the date they open the envelope, not the date you mailed it, so timing matters.

Keep a copy of the check or write down the check number for your records. If the Water Department says they never received your payment, you'll need this information to trace it.

What Happens If You Miss a Due Date

The Philadelphia Water Department charges a late fee if your payment doesn't arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The fee is a percentage of your unpaid balance, and it's added to your next bill. If you miss multiple months, the fees compound and your balance grows quickly.

If you fall behind on payments, the Water Department can place a lien on your property or shut off your water service. Before either of those happens, you'll receive notices in the mail. If you receive a notice, contact the Water Department when ready to discuss a payment plan or other options.

If you're struggling to pay your bill, the Water Department has a Customer information Program that may lower your monthly payment based on your household income. This is separate from bill pay — you'd need to contact them directly to learn whether you might be may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill through a third-party payment service like PayPal or Venmo?

No. The Philadelphia Water Department only accepts payments through their official website, by phone, or by mail. Third-party payment apps are not connected to the Water Department's system, so payments made through them won't reach your account. Always pay directly through the channels listed on your bill.

How do I know if my payment went through?

If you paid online or by phone, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Write it down. If you paid by mail, wait ten business days, then log into your account online or call customer service to confirm the payment posted. Your bill should show a zero balance or a credit if you overpaid.

What if I pay more than I owe?

The overpayment will show as a credit on your account and will be applied to your next month's bill. If you want a refund instead, contact the Water Department and request one. Refunds typically take four to six weeks to arrive.

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes, but you'll need their account number. When you pay online or by phone, enter their account number instead of yours. The payment will be applied to their account. You cannot pay someone else's bill by mail unless you include their account number clearly on the check.

Is there a penalty for paying early?

No. You can pay your bill as soon as you receive it, and there's no discount or penalty either way. Paying early just means the money reaches the Water Department sooner and reduces the chance you'll forget to pay by the due date.