Paying your water bill on time is essential to avoid service interruptions from SAWS (San Antonio Water System). While online payment is convenient, some customers prefer to pay their water bill over the phone. SAWS offers a toll-free automated phone payment system as well as customer service agents to assist with bill questions
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to pay your SAWS bill by phone We’ll also cover understanding your bill, payment assistance options, and tips for minimizing water usage and bills
Benefits of Paying Your SAWS Bill by Phone
There are several advantages to paying your water bill by phone rather than online or in person
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Speak to a live agent – SAWS customer service staff can answer questions about your account, charges, payment history, etc. The automated system can only process payments.
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No online access required – Pay by phone if you don’t have internet access or don’t feel comfortable paying bills online.
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Fast and easy – Make a payment in just a few minutes once you reach the automated system.
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Payment confirmation – You’ll receive immediate confirmation when your payment is processed.
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Flexible payment methods – Pay by credit/debit card, check, or e-check over the phone.
While the phone option requires a few extra steps compared to online bill pay, it’s incredibly convenient for those who prefer talking to a representative or don’t have computer access.
How to Pay Your SAWS Bill by Phone
To pay your water bill by phone, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Call the SAWS Payment Line
SAWS provides a toll-free automated payment line at 1-855-277-2797. This line is open 24/7.
Only use this number for payments. For account questions or billing issues, you’ll need to call SAWS customer service during business hours.
Step 2: Select Your Language Preference
When the auto-attendant picks up, press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. SAWS provides phone system options in both languages.
Step 3: Enter Your 10-Digit SAWS Account Number
After selecting your language, you’ll be prompted to enter your 10-digit SAWS account number. Have your latest bill handy to reference the account number.
Step 4: Select a Payment Method
Next, choose your payment method:
- Press 1 for credit/debit card
- Press 2 for electronic check
- Press 3 to pay by check
Credit, debit and electronic checks are all accepted over the phone.
Step 5: Enter Payment Details
Provide the necessary information for your selected payment method:
- Credit/debit card – Card number, expiration date, CVV security code
- Electronic check – Bank routing number, account number
You’ll need to have this payment information ready before calling.
Step 6: Confirm Payment Amount
The system will ask you to enter the payment amount and confirm that it’s correct. Pay any amount up to your full balance due.
Step 7: Receive Payment Confirmation
Finally, SAWS will process your payment and provide a confirmation number. Your account will reflect the payment within 1-2 business days.
And that’s it! The entire automated phone payment process takes less than 5 minutes.
Understanding Your SAWS Water Bill
Before paying your SAWS water bill each month, it’s helpful to understand exactly what you’re being charged for. Here are the key sections of your SAWS bill and what they mean:
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Account Summary – This breakdown shows your previous balance, any payments made, your total new charges for water/sewer usage and fees, and the total now due.
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Meter Readings – Lists your meter number, the read dates for the billing period, and your water usage in gallons or cubic feet.
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Water Usage History – Charts your daily water usage for the last 18 months so you can identify trends.
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Fixed Charges – Base service fees, monthly meter fees and others that don’t fluctuate.
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Consumption Charges – Charges for your actual water and sewer usage based on billing rates.
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Other Charges – One-time fees like late payment penalties, service restoration fees, etc if applicable.
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Message Area – Important notifications like leaks detected, rate changes, conservation messages, etc.
Review the details on your bill to verify accuracy and catch issues early. Reach out to SAWS customer service with any bill questions.
Payment Assistance Programs from SAWS
If you’re having trouble paying your SAWS water bill, help is available. SAWS offers the following assistance programs:
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Affordability Discounts – Ongoing discounts up to 50% off water bills for qualifying low-income customers.
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Bill Payment Assistance – Temporary assistance paying past due water bills through partner agencies.
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Payment Arrangements – Make partial payments over time on past due balances without penalties.
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Plumbers to People – Provides free plumbing repairs to fix leaks and conserve water for very low-income households.
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Leak Alerts – SAWS contacts you about potential leaks detected on your property so you can address water loss.
The easiest way to apply for assistance is through SAWS’s online application system. You can also call 210-704-SAWS or visit a SAWS customer service office. Applying as soon as possible is key to avoiding service disruptions.
Tips for Understanding & Reducing Your Water Usage
Monitoring your daily water usage is important for identifying waste and opportunities to improve efficiency. Follow these tips:
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Install a SAWS smart water meter to track real-time hourly usage through their app and online portal.
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Check your water usage multiple times per week and look for spikes that may indicate leaks.
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Compare usage during high activity times (cooking, laundry, etc) versus low times to find excess use.
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Compare your usage to previous weeks/months to see if you’re trending up.
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Take shorter showers, turn off water when brushing teeth, scrape rather than rinse dishes, and run full loads to trim usage.
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Check for silent leaks in toilets with dye tablets – this is a common source of water waste.
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Upgrade toilets, faucets, showerheads, and sprinkler systems to WaterSense efficient models.
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Only run your irrigation system 1-2 days per week, or less if it’s rained.
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Adjust sprinklers to avoid overspray and runoff onto pavement.
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Let lawns go dormant in winter and raise your summer mower height to encourage deeper roots.
Following these best practices will help you conserve water, save on your SAWS bill, and avoid surprise spikes in usage leading to high bills.
FAQs About Paying SAWS Bills
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about paying SAWS water bills:
What is the SAWS phone payment number?
Call 1-855-277-2797 to pay your SAWS water bill via the automated phone system.
What payment methods can I use to pay my SAWS bill by phone?
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check over the SAWS payment line.
Is there a fee for paying my SAWS bill by phone?
No, SAWS does not charge a fee for phone payments. However, your credit/debit card issuer may charge a small transaction fee.
Can I speak to a SAWS agent when paying by phone?
No, the automated number is only for payments. You must call 210-704-SAWS during business hours for account questions.
When is my SAWS water bill due?
SAWS bills are due by the due date printed on your statement, usually around the 20th of each month. Pay on time to avoid late fees.
How can I check on the status of a phone payment?
After paying, sign into your SAWS account online or use the automated phone system to confirm your payment was received and processed.
Paying your water bill by phone through SAWS takes just minutes. With multiple assistance programs available, there’s help if you have trouble paying on time. Monitor your usage closely and practice water efficiency to control costs. Reach out to SAWS customer service anytime you need guidance on your account, charges or payment options.
