A Guide to Paying Your Philadelphia Water Bill

Having access to clean reliable drinking water is something many of us take for granted. But providing water service to 1.6 million Philadelphia residents takes massive infrastructure and resources. The Philadelphia Water Department handles water delivery and wastewater treatment for the city. They bill customers on a monthly basis for this essential service. If you live in Philadelphia you’ll need to pay your water bill regularly to the Philadelphia Water Revenue Bureau. Here’s a complete overview of how to pay your Philadelphia water bill.

Understanding Your Water Bill

As a customer of the Philadelphia Water Department, you should receive a monthly bill either by mail or electronically. This bill covers the prior month’s water usage and sewer charges. It will include details like:

• Account number
• Service address
• Billing period
• Meter readings
• Water usage charges
• Sewer charges
• Stormwater fee
• Other fees or credits
• Account balance
• Due date

Review your bill closely each month to understand the charges and catch any potential issues early. Water bills in Philadelphia are typically due around the 18th of each month Failure to pay on time can result in late fees, collections, and service shut-offs So be sure to pay by the due date each month.

Ways to Pay Your Philadelphia Water Bill

The Philadelphia Water Revenue Bureau offers several options for paying your monthly water service bill:

• Online – Pay via their online portal 24/7 using e-check or credit/debit card. You can also set up AutoPay here.

• By phone – Call their payment line at 877-309-3709 and use the automated system.

• By mail – Detach payment stub from bill and mail with check or money order.

• In person – Visit one of two authorized walk-in center locations and pay with cash, check, or card.

• Drop box – Place payment in the drop box at the Municipal Services Building.

Choose the payment method that best fits your needs each month for convenience and organization.

Paying Online Through the MyPhillyWaterBill Portal

The online payment portal, MyPhillyWaterBill, allows customers 24/7 access to pay bills, view payment history, enroll in AutoPay, update account information, and manage paperless settings.

To pay online, you’ll need your 9-digit account number from your bill. The online system accepts e-check, debit/credit card, and AutoPay payments. Here are the quick steps:

1. Visit www.phila.gov/waterbill and click on “Pay Now”.

2. Select if you are a first-time or returning user.

3. Enter your account number and zip code.

4. Choose your payment amount and method. Submit payment.

5. Save payment confirmation and reference number.

Payment Plan Options for Overdue Balances

If you are struggling to pay your water bill on time, contact the Water Revenue Bureau right away to set up an alternative payment plan. Options include:

• Payment agreements – Spread past due balance out over scheduled installments

• Extensions – Request a due date extension if you’ll miss the cutoff

• Assistance programs – Apply for bill assistance if facing financial hardship

• Amnesty programs – Opportunity to pay down past due balance without penalties

Payment plans can help avoid further late fees, collections, and service disruption. But you must proactively reach out before the due date.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Shut Offs

Paying your Philadelphia water bill on time every month avoids extra charges and consequences like:

• Late fee of 5% of balance (additional 0.5% each month)

• Water service shut off (after 60 days past due)

• Collections and liens placed on property

• Additional turn-on fees if service disconnected

Mark your calendar with each month’s due date as soon as you receive the bill. Consider enrolling in AutoPay or paperless billing to simplify the process. And reach out early if you anticipate difficulty paying on time for a month. Setting up a payment plan can prevent penalties.

Locating Help for Paying Water Bills

For low-income residents, Philadelphia offers programs that can help pay water bills or reduce costs:

• Tiered assistance program – Bill discounts up to 100% based on income level

• Senior citizen discount – Up to 20% discount for residents 65+

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Helps pay water bills

Check if you qualify for any assistance programs to help manage water service costs. Submit applications through the Water Revenue Bureau.

Stay on top of your monthly Philadelphia Water Department bill to avoid disruption of this essential service. Evaluate the many payment options to find the ones that best suit your needs. And ask for help early if you struggle to pay on time. Maintaining your account in good standing ensures keeping the water flowing at your Philadelphia home or business.