How to Pay Your Chicago Water Bill

Having reliable access to clean water in your home or business is something most Chicagoans take for granted. But that water service doesn’t come free. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management provides water delivery and sewage disposal to over 5 million residents. As a customer you are responsible for paying your Chicago water bill to receive uninterrupted service.

This guide will walk through everything you need to know about paying your Chicago water bill. We’ll cover how charges are calculated payment options billing cycles, late fees, and resources if you are having trouble paying. Read on to learn the ins and outs of managing your Chicago water account.

How Your Water Bill is Calculated

The amount you pay for Chicago water service each month is based on a few key factors:

• Water Usage – The volume of water used measured in billing units called CCF. 1 CCF equals 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.

• Sewer Usage – Based on % of metered water that enters the sewer system.

• Service Fees – Costs to maintain infrastructure like pipes, pumps, and meters.

• Account Fees – Billing, collections and customer service expenses.

• Taxes – Illinois state utility taxes and Chicago water-sewer taxes.

Rates are set annually and published in the City Code. Basic residential service runs $3-4 per CCF used. The fixed monthly service fee is around $15-25. In total, the average Chicago household pays a water bill of $50-75 per month.

When to Pay Your Water Bill

Chicago water bills are issued on a monthly billing cycle. Your due date is 21 days after the bill is issued. For example, if your bill is issued January 1, payment is due January 22.

Bills are considered late after the due date. A 10% penalty of the overdue balance is assessed at that point. Accounts 30 days past due are assessed a $100 penalty. Shut off and additional fees can occur with bills 60 days overdue.

To avoid late fees, pay your water bill by the due date printed on your statement. You can also opt into monthly autopay from your bank account.

Ways to Pay Your Chicago Water Bill

The City of Chicago offers many payment options to fit different needs and preferences:

• Online – Pay by eCheck, credit or debit card via your online account portal.

• Phone – Call the payment line at 312-744-4444. Spanish and Polish services available.

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

• In Person – Pay at City payment centers or retail partner locations like Walmart.

• Automatic Payments – Sign up to have your bill paid directly from your bank account each month.

• Cashless Chicago – Use the mobile app to pay from your smartphone by snapping a picture of the QR code on your bill.

You can check for nearby payment locations right from your account dashboard. Online and phone payments post instantly to avoid late fees. Mailed payments can take 7-10 days to process.

Payment Plan Options

If you are struggling to cover the full balance of your water bill, Chicago offers payment arrangements. Payment plans spread the amount due over multiple installments. Options include:

• Deferred Payment Plan – Defer 1/3 of the balance for 30 days.

• Payment Arrangement – Custom plan for up to 6 installments over 5 months.

• Payment Matching Plan – Utility matches down payment up to $200, balance paid over 18 months.

• Flexible Payment Plan – Repay past due balance over 24 months with as low as $25 monthly installments based on ability to pay.

Payment plans help avoid shut offs. Enroll online or by calling customer service. Small fees may apply. Keep making payments on time to maintain the plan.

Managing Your Water Account Online

The City of Chicago provides an online self-service portal to manage all aspects of your water account. With an online account you can:

• View real-time usage and billing history

• Pay your bill immediately

• Sign up for paperless billing and automatic payments

• Monitor payment status

• Enroll in a payment plan

• Update account and contact information

• Request service turn on/off

• Contact customer support

Accessing your online account makes staying on top of your water bill easy and convenient. Visit www.chicagowaterbilling.com to set up your account.

Billing Programs for Low Income Customers

Chicago offers billing assistance programs to help lower income residents maintain access to essential water service:

• Utility Billing Relief – Water bill discounts, debt relief and credits for those meeting income eligibility.

• Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption – Seniors 65+ receive discount on sewer charges.

• Non-Profit Sewer Rebate – 501c3 charities can receive rebate on a portion of sewer billing.

Additional emergency water assistance is also available for qualifying Chicago households. Contact the Department of Finance to learn more and apply.

Avoid Chicago Water Shut Offs

The City of Chicago only shuts off water service as a last resort for severely delinquent accounts. Shut offs are avoided when customers:

• Pay bills on time or enroll in a payment plan if behind

• Set up billing alerts and monitor account regularly

• Contact support immediately with payment issues

• Qualify for financial assistance programs

Following proper payment procedures keeps your water flowing. Reconnection fees apply if service is disrupted – another reason to maintain good standing on your account.

Chicago Provides High Quality, Essential Water

Reliable water service is vital for every Chicago resident and business. Paying your bill on time ensures uninterrupted supply to your tap. Managing your City of Chicago water account is easy with numerous payment methods and assistance programs available. Keep your account in good standing and the water flowing to your home or organization.