Paying your water bill is an essential routine for all residents and businesses in Philadelphia. However, the process can sometimes be confusing or inconvenient. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the options for paying your Philadelphia water bill quickly and easily.
Overview of Philadelphia Water Bills
The Philadelphia Water Department issues monthly bills for water and sewer services Bills include usage charges based on metered water consumption as well as fixed service fees. All accounts are billed monthly and payments are due within 21 days of the billing date
It’s important to pay your water bill on time each month to avoid penalties. Late fees of 5% are assessed on overdue balances, with an additional 0.5% added every month the bill remains unpaid. Shutoffs may also occur if bills go unpaid for extended periods. Understanding your responsibilities and payment options will help avoid unnecessary fees or disruptions.
Ways to Pay Your Philadelphia Water Bill
The Water Revenue Bureau offers flexible payment methods to fit every customer’s needs. Here are the main options available:
Online – The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through the online payment portal at MyPhillyWaterBill.com. You can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments from a bank account debit card or credit card.
Phone – Call the automated payment line at (877) 309-3709 24/7 to pay over the phone using a debit/credit card or electronic check.
Mail – Detach and return the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order payable to “Water Revenue Bureau”. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.
In Person – Visit one of the Water Revenue Bureau’s payment locations to pay by check, money order or cash:
-
Municipal Services Building – 1401 JFK Blvd, Concourse Level
-
Hope Plaza – 22nd & Somerset Streets
-
7522 Castor Avenue
Authorized Retailers – Pay with cash at any 7-Eleven store nationwide using the barcode on your bill. Convenience fees apply.
Drop Box – A secure drop box is located behind the Municipal Services Building, accessible 24/7 to drop off payments.
Payment Methods
The Water Revenue Bureau offers several payment methods tailored to customer needs:
-
AutoPay – Set up recurring payments from a bank account, debit card or credit card. Most convenient option with no risk of late fees.
-
Electronic check – Free when paying online or by phone. Provide bank routing and account numbers.
-
Credit/debit card – Processing fees apply. Residential fee is $2.95 online and $3.95 in person. Commercial fees are higher.
-
Cash – Accepted for in-person payments at select Water Revenue Bureau locations.
-
Money order – Safe alternative to cash when paying by mail or in person.
-
Check – Mail in or drop off, payable to “Water Revenue Bureau”. Beware, bounced checks incur a $20 fee.
Payment Plans and Assistance
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, contact the Water Revenue Bureau to set up a tailored payment plan. You may also qualify for senior citizen discounts or low income assistance programs. It’s important to reach out early before your account becomes delinquent.
Some options for payment help include:
-
Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) – Discounts up to 100% for qualified low-income households
-
Senior citizen discount – Up to 20% discount for residents 65+ who meet income criteria
-
Payment agreements – Extended payment plans for overdue balances
-
Conservation assistance – Free water audits and fixture upgrades to reduce usage and bills
Billing Cycles and Late Fees
Water bills in Philadelphia follow a regular monthly cycle:
-
Bills issued – On the 1st business day of each month
-
Due date – 21 days after bills are issued, on the 21st
-
Late fees – Added if not paid by due date; 5% of balance initially, 0.5% every month after
Paying on time is key to avoiding penalties. If your bill becomes delinquent, contact the Water Revenue Bureau immediately to make arrangements. Shutoffs may eventually occur for customers chronically late on payments.
Account Management Tips
Proactively managing your water account makes paying bills easier:
-
Go paperless with e-billing
-
Sign up for reminders of due dates
-
Provide accurate contact info and update if moved
-
Monitor usage for spikes indicating leaks
-
Enroll in AutoPay to automate payments
-
Pay a few days early to avoid late fees
-
Save bills to track payment history
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number to pay water bills?
Call (877) 309-3709 to use the interactive voice response system and pay by phone 24/7.
Where can I pay my water bill in person?
There are three Water Revenue Bureau locations accepting in-person payments: Municipal Services Building, Hope Plaza, and 7522 Castor Ave.
How do I dispute a water bill?
You can file disputes for issues like billing errors, faulty meters, and leaks in writing to the Water Revenue Bureau for investigation.
How long do I have to pay my water bill?
Bills are due 21 days after issuance. Late fees apply if not paid by the due date on the 21st of each month.
How do I apply for water bill assistance?
Contact the Water Revenue Bureau at 215-685-6300 or visit an in-person location to discuss bill discount and assistance programs you may qualify for.
Paying your water bill on time is an important responsibility all Philadelphia residents share. The Water Revenue Bureau offers flexible payment options like AutoPay along with assistance programs if you fall behind. Manage your account diligently and don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions. Keep this guide handy as a reference for streamlining your bill payment process. Consistently paying on time helps avoid penalties while funding critical water infrastructure. We hope these tips make water bill pay simple, convenient and stress-free. Reach out to the Water Revenue Bureau so they can help you establish the optimal payment solution.
