How to Pay Your Water Bill in Baltimore

Paying your water bill is an essential part of being a responsible resident of Baltimore The city’s Department of Public Works provides water and sewer services to over 18 million customers across the city. As a customer, it’s important to know how to quickly and easily pay your water bill so you can avoid late fees or service interruptions. In this article, I’ll walk through the step-by-step process for paying your Baltimore water bill online, by phone, by mail or in person.

Online Payment

Paying your water bill online through the city’s website is the quickest and most convenient way to pay, Here’s how to do it

• Go to https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/water. This is the official City of Baltimore website for paying water bills.

• Enter your 11-digit account number. You can find this on your printed water bill.

• Enter the service address matching your account. Use abbreviations like St, Ave, Blvd when entering the address.

• Select whether you want to pay the full balance or a partial payment.

• Enter your payment information including credit/debit card details or checking account details.

• Review the payment details and submit.

• Print or save the confirmation page for your records.

Paying online takes just a few minutes. After you pay, you’ll get a confirmation page and email right away. I suggest that you set up autopay on the website so that your bill is paid for you every month.

Pay by Phone

If you prefer to pay your water bill over the phone, the City of Baltimore offers a 24/7 automated pay-by-phone system.

To use the pay-by-phone system:

• Call 410-396-5398. This is the dedicated line for paying water bills by phone.

• Follow the prompts to enter your account number and service address.

• Enter payment details for credit/debit card or checking account.

• Stay on the line to get a confirmation number when the payment processes.

• Make a note of the confirmation number for your records.

Paying by phone is quick and easy, especially if you already have your account info handy. Just dial the number whenever you get your bill to make the payment.

Pay by Mail

Paying your water bill by mail is easy too. Here’s how it works:

• Grab your printed water bill that shows the balance due.

• Write a check or money order payable to “Director of Finance” for the amount due.

• Write your account number on the check or money order.

• Mail the payment and bill stub to:

  Baltimore City Water Bill
  PO Box 17535
  Baltimore, MD 21297-1535

• To make sure your payment gets there on time, mail it a few business days before the due date. Late payments by mail can result in late fees.

• Keep the receipt and tracking number as proof of payment.

Paying by mail gives you time to go grab a check or money order, but make sure to allow enough mailing time before the due date. I recommend paying at least 5 business days before the due date when paying by mail.

In-Person Payment

You can also pay your water bill in-person at one of the city’s customer support centers. Here are the options:

• Abel Wolman Municipal Building – 200 N. Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202

• Eastside Sanitation Yard – 6101 Bowleys Lane, Baltimore, MD 21206

• Northwest Sanitation Yard – 2840 Sisson St, Baltimore, MD 21211

To pay at a customer service center:

• Bring your water bill or know your account number.

• Bring your payment method – cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

• Get in line to speak with a customer service rep at the payment window.

• Provide your account details and make your payment.

• Get a printed receipt as proof of payment.

When you pay in person, you can talk to a customer service rep and get help with your account right away if you need it. Just make sure you get there before they close so you don’t have to come back another day.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruptions

No matter which payment method you use, the key is paying your water bill by the due date printed on your bill. Late payments can trigger:

• Late payment fees – typically 1.5% per month on the overdue balance.

• If your bill is more than 60 days past due, the city can turn off your water service.

• Liens – unpaid bills can lead to a lien being placed on your property.

Set reminders to pay your bill as soon as you get it to avoid penalties. And if you’re having trouble paying on time, call the city right away to set up a payment plan.

Get Help with Payments

If you’re struggling financially, Baltimore offers programs to help pay your water bill:

• BH2O Assists – financial assistance grants and flexible payment plans.

• CAP Water Discount – discounted water rates for low income residents.

Call 410-396-5555 to learn more about bill assistance programs.