Where your Philadelphia water payment goes

When you pay a Philadelphia water bill, your money goes to the Philadelphia Water Department, which is part of the city government. The Water Department uses those payments to maintain the pipes that bring water to your home, treat wastewater at the city's treatment plants, and keep the system running. Unlike some utilities that are run by private companies, Philadelphia's water system is publicly owned and operated.

Your bill covers three separate services: water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. Each appears as a line item on your bill. The Water Department sends out bills every two months, and payment is due within 15 days of the bill date. If you pay late, the city adds penalties and can eventually shut off your water or place a lien on your property.

Key Takeaways

  • Philadelphia Water Department bills are due 15 days after the bill date, and late payments trigger penalties starting at 10 percent of the unpaid balance.
  • You can pay online through the city's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center without needing to create an account.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, the Water Department offers a budget billing plan that spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments.
  • The city has a hardship program for households below 200 percent of the federal poverty line that can reduce or forgive water debt.

Online payment through the city website

The fastest way to pay is through the Philadelphia Water Department's online portal at water.phila.gov. Go to the "Pay Your Bill" section and enter your account number, which appears on the top right of your bill. You do not need to create a login or account — you can pay as a guest using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.

Online payments process when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. The Water Department recommends paying at least three business days before your due date to may support the payment reaches them in time. If you pay by credit or debit card, the city charges a convenience fee of 2.49 percent of your payment amount. Bank account payments have no fee.

Phone and mail payment options

You can pay by phone by calling the Water Department's customer service line at 215-685-6300. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like online card payments, phone payments by credit or debit card include a 2.49 percent convenience fee. Bank account payments over the phone have no fee.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "Philadelphia Water Department" and send it to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late fees. Do not send cash through the mail.

In-person payment at city locations

You can pay in person at any Philadelphia city payment center without a fee. The main payment center is located at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your bill or account number and cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments.

Some neighborhood locations also accept water bill payments. Call 215-685-6300 to find the payment center nearest you. In-person payments are processed the same day, so this is a good option if your bill is due soon and you want to avoid late fees when ready.

Budget billing and payment plans

If your water bills vary significantly from month to month, the Water Department offers budget billing. Under this plan, the city calculates your average annual water cost and divides it into 12 equal monthly payments. This makes your bill predictable and easier to budget for. You can request budget billing by calling 215-685-6300 or through the online portal.

If you fall behind on payments, you can set up a payment plan to pay what you owe over time rather than all at once. Contact the Water Department's customer service line to discuss a plan. The city will not shut off your water while you are actively making payments under an agreed plan, though late fees and interest continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.

Hardship programs for households struggling to pay

Philadelphia offers a Tiered information Program (TAP) for households with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Depending on your income level, the program can reduce your water bill by 25 to 75 percent or forgive debt you have already accumulated. To learn whether you may be may be able to access, contact the Water Department at 215-685-6300 or visit the TAP section of water.phila.gov.

You will need to provide proof of household income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. The process process takes two to four weeks. While your process is being reviewed, the Water Department will not shut off your water if you are making good-faith payments toward your bill.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, the Water Department adds a 10 percent penalty to your unpaid balance. After 30 days past due, the city sends a notice warning that water service may be shut off. After 60 days past due, the Water Department can disconnect your water without further notice. Reconnection requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee.

If your water is shut off, you must contact the Water Department when ready to arrange payment and reconnection. The reconnection process can take one to three business days. The city also has the authority to place a lien on your property for unpaid water debt, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?

The Water Department does not offer automatic recurring payments through their website or phone system. You must pay each bill manually through the online portal, phone, mail, or in person. Setting a calendar reminder for 10 days after your bill date can help you avoid late fees.

What if I think my water bill is too high?

Contact the Water Department at 215-685-6300 to request a meter inspection or leak investigation. High bills are often caused by a hidden leak in your pipes or toilet. The city can send someone to check your meter and help identify the problem. If a leak is found on the city's side of the line, they may adjust your bill.

Do I have to pay my water bill if I am renting?

That depends on your lease. In Philadelphia, the property owner is responsible for the water bill unless the lease explicitly states the tenant must pay. Check your lease or ask your landlord. If the landlord is supposed to pay and does not, you can contact the Water Department about your options.

Can the city shut off my water in winter?

Philadelphia has a winter moratorium on water shutoffs from December 1 through March 31. During this period, the Water Department will not disconnect your water for non-payment, even if your bill is significantly overdue. However, penalties and interest continue to accrue, and the city can still place a lien on your property.

What if I paid my bill but it still shows as late?

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so if you mailed a check close to the due date, it may not have been recorded yet. Check your account online or call 215-685-6300 to confirm the payment was received. If there is an error, the Water Department can usually remove the late fee if you provide proof of payment.