How to Pay Your San Diego City Water Bill: A Complete Guide

The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department is in charge of water service for people who live or work in America’s Finest City. It is important that you pay your San Diego city water bill on time every month. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn about all of your payment options, how to avoid late fees, and programs that can help people who need it.

Understanding Your San Diego Water Bill

Your monthly bill includes charges for:

• Water usage based on meter readings
• Wastewater service
• Infrastructure fees
• Temporary water rate increases

It shows the amount you owe, payments you’ve made, current charges, due date, and balance from before. Review it closely each month.

If you don’t receive a bill, you’re still responsible for payment by the due date. Contact the city immediately for a replacement.

When is My Water Bill Due?

San Diego water bills are issued monthly and due 21 days after the statement date The due date is printed clearly on your bill

Payments received after the due date will incur a 1.5% late penalty on the outstanding balance Failure to pay after multiple late notices can lead to water service disconnection

Sign up for paperless billing and auto-pay to avoid missed due dates.

Ways to Pay Your San Diego Water Bill

San Diego offers flexible payment options to suit your needs:

Online

The city’s self-service customer portal allows online payments by credit/debit card or electronic check. You’ll need your account number and exact balance. A service fee applies.

By Phone

Call 619-515-3500 to pay by credit/debit card using the automated phone system. A service fee also applies to phone payments.

Mail

Detach the payment stub from your bill and mail with a check or money order to the payment center address before the due date. Allow 7-10 days for mailed payments.

In Person

Bring your bill to pay by cash, check or money order at the Public Utilities Department or authorized payment locations such as 7-Eleven.

Auto-Draft

Enroll in auto-pay to have your water bill paid directly from your checking account each month. Download and submit the eForm to sign up.

Drop Box

Place a check or money order in one of the secure drop boxes located at the Public Utilities office. Payments are collected daily.

Avoid Late Payments and Fees

To avoid penalties and service interruptions, be proactive with these bill paying tips:

• Mark due dates on your calendar and set payment reminders
• Go paperless – electronic bills prevent lost mail
• Pay a few days early to account for processing
• Know your balance – don’t estimate when paying online or by phone
• Select auto-draft from your bank account for guaranteed on-time payment
• Contact the city immediately if you need a payment extension

Payment Assistance Programs

If you’re having difficulty paying your water bill, San Diego offers programs to help qualified customers:

Bill Extensions

One-time due date extensions may be available if you contact the city prior to disconnection.

Payment Arrangements

Set up a payment plan to pay your outstanding balance in installments over several months.

Low-Income Assistance

The Help to Others (H2O) Program provides bill discounts and credits for low-income households.

Water Deposit Waivers

Customers with financial hardships may qualify for deposit waivers when starting new water service.

Explore all options right away if you anticipate problems paying your bill to avoid shutoffs.

Avoid Water Service Disruptions

The City will disconnect water service if a bill is past due by 60 days. To restore service, you must pay:

• The full overdue amount
• A $54 disconnection fee
• A $54 reconnection fee

This can be avoided by paying promptly, arranging a payment plan, or applying for assistance. Service will only be shut off after multiple late notices and attempts to contact the customer.

Starting New Water Service

To establish service as a new San Diego resident or business, here’s what to do:

• Apply online or by phone one week before service is needed
• Provide ID and proof of occupancy
• Pay a deposit based on credit history
• Complete a service agreement
• Have an adult present at move-in for meter reading
• Expect your first bill within one month and pay by the due date

Planning ahead ensures service is available when you need it. Avoid account issues by paying all bills on time.

Moving Out? Close Your Account

When moving out, contact the Public Utilities Department at least 3 days before your move date to close your account. Provide a forwarding address for your final bill and deposit refund. Failure to close your account will result in ongoing charges.

Have an adult present during the final meter read. Pay your final bill within 15 days of closing. Expect your security deposit refund 4-6 weeks later.

Convenient Water Bill Pay Options