Where your Fort Worth water payment goes

When you pay your Fort Worth water bill, your money goes to the City of Fort Worth's Water Department, which operates the pipes, treatment plants, and infrastructure that deliver water to your home and remove wastewater. The payment covers the cost of treating and delivering that water, maintaining the system, and operating the city's wastewater treatment facilities. A portion also funds infrastructure repairs and upgrades to the pipes and equipment that serve your neighborhood.

Fort Worth bills for water, wastewater, and stormwater as separate line items on a single bill. Each covers different services: water is what comes into your home, wastewater is what leaves it, and stormwater fees help manage rain runoff. The bill arrives monthly, and the due date is typically 20 days after the bill date, though you should check your specific bill for the exact important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth offers four main payment methods: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location.
  • Online and phone payments process when ready and do not charge a fee, making them the fastest and cheapest options.
  • Mailed checks should be sent at least 10 days before the due date to arrive on time and avoid late fees.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments through the city's website so you never miss a due date.
  • Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty on top of your bill, and service can be disconnected if you fall more than 30 days behind.

Paying online or by phone

The fastest way to pay is through the City of Fort Worth's online payment portal at fortworthtexas.gov/water. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and either a debit card or bank account information. The payment processes when ready, and you receive a confirmation number right away. There is no fee for paying online.

You can also pay by phone by calling the Water Department's customer service line at (817) 392-8800. A representative will take your payment information and process it the same day. Like online payments, there is no fee. Both methods are available during business hours, and the online portal is open 24 hours a day.

Mailing a check or paying in person

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address on your bill at least 10 days before the due date. The mailing address is typically the City of Fort Worth Water Department, but confirm it on your bill because mail processing can take several days. Write your account number on the check so the payment is credited to the right account.

You can also pay in person at the Water Department's office located at 200 Texas Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102, during regular business hours. Bring your bill or account number and a check or debit card. Some city payment centers also accept water bill payments, though the Water Department office is the most direct location.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. Log into your account on the city's website, select the autopay option, and choose whether you want the full bill amount or a fixed amount deducted each month. You can set the payment date to any day of the month, and you can change or cancel the arrangement at any time.

Automatic payments come from either your bank account or debit card and process on the date you choose. There is no fee, and you will still receive a bill each month showing what was charged. If your bill amount varies significantly from month to month, you may want to set autopay for a fixed amount and adjust it seasonally, or straightforward review the bill before each automatic payment goes through.

What happens if you pay late

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, a 10 percent penalty is added to your bill. For example, a $100 bill becomes $110. This penalty applies once per billing cycle, so paying even one day late triggers it. The city also charges interest on unpaid balances at a rate set by the Texas Water Code, which varies but is typically around 10 percent annually.

If your account falls more than 30 days behind, the Water Department can disconnect your service without further notice. Once disconnected, you must pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee (which varies) to restore service. If you know you will have trouble paying on time, contact the Water Department at (817) 392-8800 to discuss a payment plan before you fall behind.

Payment plans and hardship information

Fort Worth offers payment plans for customers who cannot pay their full bill by the due date. Contact the Water Department's customer service line to request one. The city will work with you to set up a schedule that fits your situation, though you will still owe any penalties and interest that have already accrued.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about the city's low-income information programs. These are separate from payment plans and may help reduce your bill or provide one-time information. The Water Department can direct you to the right department or provide information about community resources that help with utility costs.

Understanding your bill and account number

Your account number appears in the top right corner of your bill and is the quickest way to identify your account when paying by phone or mail. The bill also shows your current balance, the due date, and a breakdown of charges for water, wastewater, and stormwater. If you cannot find your bill, you can look up your account number on the city's website or by calling customer service.

Keep your bills for at least a year so you have a record of what you paid and when. If you dispute a charge or need to prove you paid on time, your bills and payment confirmations are your evidence. If you switch to paperless billing, make sure you know how to access your bills online and that you receive email reminders of the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Fort Worth water bill with a credit card?

The city's online payment portal and phone line accept debit cards and bank account transfers, but not credit cards. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to use a third-party payment service, which may charge a fee. Debit cards and bank transfers are free and process when ready.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?

Online payments usually appear within one business day. If more than two business days have passed and you have your confirmation number, call customer service at (817) 392-8800 with the confirmation number. They can verify the payment was received and credit your account if there was a delay.

How long does a mailed check take to be credited to my account?

Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to be processed and credited. To be safe, mail your check at least 10 days before the due date. If your check arrives after the due date, a late penalty will be added even if you mailed it on time, so keep your mailing receipt as proof of when you sent it.

Can I change my due date to a different day of the month?

The due date is set by the city and is typically 20 days after your bill date. You cannot change the due date itself, but you can set up automatic payments to process on any day you choose before the due date, which gives you flexibility in managing your cash flow.

What should I do if I cannot afford my water bill?

Contact the Water Department at (817) 392-8800 before your bill becomes overdue. They can set up a payment plan or direct you to low-income information programs. The city also has community partnerships that may help with utility costs, and staff can explain what options are available for your situation.