WSSC bill pay lets you settle your water and sewer charges through the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's website, phone line, or authorized payment partners
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) serves about 1.9 million people across Prince George's and Montgomery counties in Maryland. If you receive a water or sewer bill from WSSC, you have several ways to pay: through their official website at wsscwater.com, by phone at 301-206-4002, through third-party payment processors, or by mail with a check. Each method has different timing, fees, and confirmation processes.
Most people use WSSC bill pay because it avoids late fees (which start 30 days after the bill date), lets you see your payment history in one place, and gives you an when ready confirmation number. You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, though setting up an online account lets you view past bills, set up automatic payments, and track usage.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay WSSC bills online at wsscwater.com, by phone at 301-206-4002, or by mail; online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days.
- WSSC's own website and phone line do not charge a fee, but third-party payment processors may add a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent.
- Setting up an online account at wsscwater.com lets you see your bill amount before you pay and set up automatic monthly payments.
- Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty after 30 days and can lead to service disconnection after 60 days of non-payment.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, WSSC offers payment plans for customers facing hardship; contact their customer service line to discuss options.
Paying online through WSSC's website
Go to wsscwater.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any email notice from WSSC. The website accepts payment by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer (ACH). Payments made before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day typically post the next business day; payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day.
WSSC does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website. If you use a third-party payment processor that appears in a search result or pop-up, that processor may charge a convenience fee. To avoid this, use only the official WSSC website link and avoid clicking ads or sponsored results.
You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, but creating one is free and takes about five minutes. An account lets you view your bill before you pay, see your payment history, and set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date. You can create an account using your account number and the service address on your bill.
Paying by phone
Call WSSC's customer service line at 301-206-4002. The automated system will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay by debit card or credit card over the phone. WSSC does not charge a fee for phone payments. The call is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though live representatives are available during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday).
When you complete a phone payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it is your proof of payment. If you do not receive a confirmation number, the payment did not go through. Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day post the next business day; payments made after hours post the following business day.
Third-party payment processors and convenience fees
Several third-party companies process WSSC payments and appear in online search results or bill-pay aggregator websites. Common processors include PayLease, Plastiq, and others. These services charge a convenience fee — usually 2 to 3 percent of your bill amount — because they are not WSSC itself. A $100 bill might cost $102 to $103 to pay through a third-party processor.
You should use a third-party processor only if you have a specific reason: you want to earn credit card rewards on the payment (though the fee often outweighs the reward), you need to pay from a payment method WSSC's website does not accept, or you are paying through a bill-pay service your bank offers. Otherwise, paying directly through wsscwater.com or by phone costs nothing extra.
Setting up automatic payments
If you create an online account at wsscwater.com, you can set up automatic monthly payments. WSSC will deduct the amount from your bank account or charge your card on or shortly after your bill date each month. You choose the payment method and the amount — you can pay the full bill, a fixed amount, or a percentage of the bill.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of late fees because the payment goes through without you having to remember to pay each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you want to pause payments for a month, you can do that without canceling the entire setup.
What happens if you miss a payment
WSSC bills are due 20 days after the bill date. If you do not pay by that date, a 10 percent penalty is added to your bill 30 days after the bill date. For example, a $100 bill becomes $110 if unpaid 30 days after the due date. This penalty is separate from the bill itself and cannot be removed even if you pay later.
If your account remains unpaid for 60 days after the bill date, WSSC can shut off your water service. Before disconnection, WSSC sends notices by mail and may attempt to contact you by phone. If your service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee (typically $100 to $150) to restore service. Reconnection usually takes one to two business days after payment is received.
If you are facing hardship and cannot pay your full bill, contact WSSC customer service at 301-206-4002 to discuss a payment plan. WSSC offers extended payment arrangements for customers in financial difficulty, though you must request this before your account is disconnected.
Comparing payment methods and timing
| Payment Method | Fee | When It Posts | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSSC website (wsscwater.com) | None | Next business day (if before 5 p.m.) | Confirmation number on screen |
| WSSC phone line (301-206-4002) | None | Next business day (if before 5 p.m.) | Confirmation number by voice |
| Mail with check | None | 5 to 10 business days | None (no receipt) |
| Third-party processor | 2–3% of bill | 1 to 3 business days | Varies by processor |
| Automatic payment (ACH) | None | On or shortly after bill date | Email confirmation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my WSSC bill with a credit card without a fee?
Yes, if you pay through wsscwater.com or by phone at 301-206-4002. WSSC accepts credit cards at no extra charge. Third-party processors charge 2 to 3 percent, so avoid those unless you have a specific reason to use them.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Check your confirmation number first — if you received one, the payment was submitted. 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 WSSC customer service at 301-206-4002 with your confirmation number and they can trace it.
Can I set up automatic payments if I do not have a bank account?
You can pay by credit or debit card through WSSC's website or phone line, but automatic payments require either a bank account (ACH) or a card on file. If you do not have either, you can call 301-206-4002 each month to pay by card, or mail a check.
What is the reconnection fee if my water is shut off?
WSSC charges a reconnection fee of approximately $100 to $150, though the exact amount may vary. You must pay your full past-due balance plus this fee to restore service. Reconnection usually takes one to two business days after payment is received and processed.
Does WSSC offer payment plans for people who cannot pay the full bill?
Yes. Contact WSSC customer service at 301-206-4002 to discuss a payment arrangement before your account is disconnected. WSSC works with customers facing hardship, though you must reach out before service is shut off to preserve your options.