Paying your water bill is an essential responsibility for all residents and businesses in Chicago. The city’s Department of Finance handles water billing and provides several convenient payment options. However, the process can seem complicated, especially if you’re new to Chicago. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pay your Chicago water bill.
Understanding Your Chicago Water Bill
Chicago water bills cover water, sewer, and garbage collection services. They also include a water-sewer tax. Bills are issued monthly and are based on metered water usage. The city reads meters and generates bills every 28-32 days.
Your water bill will list
- Account number
- Service address
- Billing date
- Previous balance
- Payments received
- Current charges
- Water/sewer taxes
- Current balance due
- Due date
Payment Options for Chicago Water Bills
The City of Chicago offers various ways to pay your water bill
Pay Online
The easiest option is to pay online through the city’s utility billing portal. You can view, download, and print bills. Go paperless with e-bills. Check payment history and usage. Make quick one-time payments or set up recurring autopay.
Pay by Phone
Call 312-744-4426 and use the automated phone system to make a payment.
Pay by Mail
Mail checks or money orders to:
City of Chicago Utility Billing
P.O. Box 6330
Chicago, IL 60680-6330
Pay In-Person
Pay in-person at City Hall or neighborhood payment centers. Locations accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards.
Payment Kiosks
Find self-service payment kiosks at libraries, police stations, and other city locations to pay with cash, checks, or cards after hours.
Steps to Pay Your Water Bill Online
Paying online through the utility billing portal is the easiest way to pay your Chicago water bill. Follow these steps:
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Go to pay.chicago.gov.
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Click on “Utility Bills”.
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Enter your 10-digit account number and zip code. Click “Continue”.
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Review account details and amounts due.
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Select payment amount and payment method (bank account or credit/debit card).
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Enter payment information and billing address.
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Review payment details and click “Submit Payment”.
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Print or save the payment confirmation page.
Paying online takes just a few minutes. You can pay the full or partial balance to ensure your water service continues. Set up AutoPay for quick, hassle-free payments every month.
Setting Up Recurring Payments
Rather than remembering to pay each month, set up recurring payments on your Chicago water bill. These auto-debit options offer convenience:
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EZ Pay – Electronic monthly debit from bank account. Applies only to full balance due each cycle.
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AutoPay – New online option to authorize monthly debit from bank account or credit/debit card. Set your own payment amount.
Visit pay.chicago.gov or call 312-744-4426 to enroll. Account must be current to sign up.
Late Fees and Disconnections
Chicago water bills are due 21 days after the billing date. Late penalties apply:
- 1.5% per month after the due date
- Shut off 60 days after due date for non-payment
If your account is past due, call 312-744-4426 immediately to make payment arrangements. Accounts 60 days past due may face water service disconnection.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to cover water bills, Chicago offers programs to help, including:
- Deferred payment plans
- Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Contact the Department of Finance at 312-744-4426 to discuss bill payment assistance options.
Understanding Your Water Usage
Chicago water bills track monthly metered usage. You can monitor your household’s consumption by regularly checking your water meter. Usage may spike from leaky pipes, running toilets, irrigation systems, etc. Identifying issues early helps avoid unexpected high bills.