How to Pay Your Water Bill in Philadelphia

Paying your water bill is an essential responsibility for all residents and businesses in Philadelphia. The city’s Water Revenue Bureau handles billing and payment collection for water and sewer services. There are several ways to pay your Philadelphia water bill but it’s important to understand the process to avoid late fees or service interruptions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying water bills in Philly.

Overview of Philadelphia Water Billing

The Philadelphia Water Department provides water and sewer services to over 16 million people in the city They read meters and bill customers on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the type of property,

Bills are typically sent out at the beginning of the month and payment is due by the end of the month. The due date is printed on your paper bill or can be found by logging into your online account

There is a 1 fee if you don’t pay your bill by the due date. 5% is added to the outstanding balance. If a bill isn’t paid, the water department will send shut-off notices. Not paying your water bill can lead to losing your water service in the long run.

Ways to Pay Your Philadelphia Water Bill

You can pay your water bill on time with a number of easy payment options from the Water Revenue Bureau:

• Online – The easiest way to pay is through the online customer portal. You can make one-time payments or set up autopay using a checking account, credit or debit card.

• By Phone – Call the IVR payment line at 215-686-6880 to pay over the phone using a checking account or credit/debit card.

• By Mail – Detach and mail the payment stub from your paper bill with a check or money order. Allow 7-10 days for processing.

• In Person – Take your payment to one of three Revenue Department locations around the city. Cash, checks, money orders and cards are accepted.

• Drop Boxes – The water department has secure payment drop boxes at several sites. No cash is accepted at drop boxes.

• Authorized Retailers: You can pay your water bill at pharmacies and grocery stores in your area that have signs that say “authorized payment.” Fees may apply.

You will need your 12-digit account number to make the payment, no matter which method you choose. This can be found on your water bill.

Setting Up an Online Account

The easiest way to manage your water account and bill is through the online self-service portal. You can go paperless, track usage, make one-time payments, set up autopay and more.

To create an online account:

1. Go to www.phila.gov/waterbillportal
2. Click “Sign Up”
3. Enter your account number, address, and email
4. Create a username and password
5. Verify your account and log in

First-time users will need to verify account ownership by providing a recent account number. Once registered, you can conveniently manage everything related to your water bill anytime online.

Understanding Water Bill Charges

A standard Philadelphia water bill has several components that make up the total amount due:

• Water Service – Charges based on metered water consumption in units of 100 cubic feet (CCF)

• Sewer Service – Fee for wastewater treatment also based on water usage

• Stormwater Management – Fixed fee to maintain stormwater drainage system

• Wastewater Treatment – Fixed monthly charge for sewage processing

• Other Fees – Service restoration fee, sales tax, late penalty, etc if applicable

The majority of single family residential customers are billed for water and sewer service quarterly based on actual meter readings. Monthly billing is done for larger users or if the property can’t be accessed to obtain a meter reading.

Rates are tiered so per unit costs increase at higher usage levels. Rate schedules are published annually and subject to City Council approval.

Payment Plan Options

If you are having difficulty paying your water bill in full due to financial hardship, the Water Revenue Bureau offers payment plans to help avoid service shut offs.

Payment arrangements can spread your outstanding balance over 3-6 months with a required down payment:

• Balance under $300 – 50% down payment
• $300 to $500 balance – 40% down payment
• Over $500 balance – 25% down payment

An additional monthly fee of $8 will be charged for payment plan administration. Failure to keep up with the agreed upon installments can still result in water service being discontinued.

You can apply for a payment plan online or by calling the Customer Assistance Unit. Proof of income, expenses and financial hardship is required to qualify.

Water Bill Customer Assistance

The water department offers several programs to help low income families afford their water service through bill discounts, grants and debt forgiveness:

• Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) – Provides percentage discounts up to 80% based on household size and income. Must recertify annually.

• Senior Citizen Water Bill Discount – Fixed percentage discount for customers 65+ who meet income requirements.

• Flexible Hardship Program (FHP) – One-time grants to help cover unpaid water bills for customers in temporary crisis.

In addition, the water department partners with the Dollar Energy Fund to provide water bill assistance grants to those facing hardships.

To find out about eligibility or apply for these affordability programs, contact the Customer Assistance Unit or visit an Engagement Center. Proof of identity, income, and hardship are required.

Avoiding Late Fees and Shut Offs

To prevent having to pay late fees or risk water service interruption, make sure to pay your water bill in full by the due date printed on your statement. Mark your calendar with the due date each billing cycle as a reminder.

If you anticipate having difficulty making a payment, contact the water department right away to set up a payment plan or assistance program well before the due date. This can help avoid penalties and fees.

Ignoring water bills and allowing large balances to accumulate can result in water shut offs and make qualifying for aid programs more difficult. Stay proactive with payment, reach out early if you need help, and take advantage of programs available if you qualify. Consistent on-time payments can prevent complications.

Getting Help with High Water Bills

Some spikes in water bills can be caused by undetected leaks, running toilets, billing errors or changes in occupancy. If your water usage seems unusually high, contact the water department right away to have them investigate before your next meter reading.

You may need to check plumbing fixtures, faucets, irrigation systems and appliances for leaks on your end as well. The water department offers rebates on water efficient toilets and washers which can help offset costs of replacing inefficient models.

For disputed bills, file an appeal with evidence within 45 days of the bill date. Bills can be adjusted if errors are found or leaks verified after repairs are made. Financial assistance is also available for qualified low income customers with unusually high balances.

Avoiding Water Shut Offs for Non-Payment

The Water Revenue Bureau policy is to provide 15 days notice before shutting off water service for overdue payments. Shut offs are avoided if you:

• Pay account balance in full
• Enter into a payment agreement
• Provide proof of financial hardship
• Verify application for bill assistance programs

Service will be restored once payments arrangements are in place or unpaid balances are paid. Fees apply for restoration outside of business hours.

Avoid permanent water shut offs by working proactively with the Revenue Bureau to address non-payments. Utilize payment plans and assistance programs where available to demonstrate good faith efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Philadelphia water bills must be paid monthly or quarterly depending on your property
• You can pay online, by phone, mail, in person and at authorized retailers
• Create an online account to easily manage your water account
• Payment plans and customer assistance is available if you qualify
• Pay by the due date to avoid late fees and potential shut offs
• Contact the water department if you need help with high bills or non-payment

Paying your Philadelphia water bill on time takes some planning but there are lots of payment options and assistance programs available. Being proactive and addressing non-payment early can help avoid complications like service disruptions. Maintaining your account in good standing ensures access to an essential service.