Philadelphia Water Bill & Account Help
Trying to pay a Philadelphia water bill, avoid a fake payment site, set up AutoPay, dispute a charge, find a payment center, stop a shutoff, or understand a high bill? Start with the official City payment page and MyPhillyWaterBill, then use the correct PWD or Water Revenue Bureau contact.
Do This First If You Just Want To Pay
Use the official Pay a water bill page, then continue to MyPhillyWaterBill.
Official pageYou need your 9-digit Water Access Code and ZIP code.
What to prepareeCheck and automatic bank payments are free; card fees apply.
See feesFor billing help or water emergencies, call 215-685-6300.
Phone detailsPhiladelphia Water Department Bill Pay Quick Facts
Who handles billing?
The Water Revenue Bureau handles water bill payments, billing questions, payment agreements, liens and many account issues.
Who handles water service?
Philadelphia Water Department manages water, wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, emergencies and water quality.
Main number
Call (215) 685-6300 for billing help during business hours and water emergencies 24/7.
Portal name
The City’s official online water bill portal is MyPhillyWaterBill.
Before You Pay: Details You Need
9-digit Water Access Code
You need the 9-digit Water Access Code found on your bill. It is also used when applying for assistance or calling about the bill.
ZIP code
You need the ZIP code tied to the water bill account. Check the service address before submitting payment.
Bank info for free eCheck
For eCheck, have your bank routing number and checking or savings account number ready.
Official Site Safety: Avoid the Fake Water Bill Website
Important official warning: The Department of Revenue has warned about a fraudulent website that mimics the City’s MyPhillyWaterBill payment site. The City says it does not have a water bill payment site ending in .org or .com. For payment, start from phila.gov/waterbill or the official phila.gov Pay a water bill page.
Safe starting point
Use phila.gov first. Then follow the external link to the secure MyPhillyWaterBill portal.
Red flag
Do not enter your Water Access Code into a random website that appears in search results or ads.
This page’s role
This article is an independent guide. It does not collect payments or account details.
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment Methods
| Method | Official detail | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyPhillyWaterBill online | Pay online, register, set AutoPay, view bills, print bills and manage account tools. | Most customers, especially if you want control and proof. | Start from phila.gov to avoid fake payment sites. |
| eCheck online | Free eCheck payment using bank routing and account number. | Customers who want to avoid card fees. | Confirm routing/account details before submitting. |
| Automatic bank payment | Free recurring payment from checking or savings through MyPhillyWaterBill AutoPay. | Customers who want bills paid on time monthly. | Set a threshold amount if you do not want more than a chosen amount debited. |
| Debit/credit card online | Processing fee applies: residential card payment $2.95; commercial card payment $15.95. | Customers who prefer card payment and accept the fee. | eCheck may be cheaper if you can use a bank account. |
| Phone eCheck | Call (215) 685-6300 to pay with free eCheck. | Customers who prefer phone payment and have bank details ready. | Use business hours for account/billing questions. |
| Phone card IVR | Call (877) 309-3709 for interactive voice debit/credit card payment only. | Card payment by phone without portal login. | Card processing fee applies. |
| Mail check or money order with return portion of bill to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496. | Non-urgent check or money order payment. | Do not send bill payments to PWD’s 1101 Market Street mailing address. | |
| In person | Authorized payment centers include Municipal Services Building and two neighborhood centers. | Customers who need counter help or cash option. | Some locations do not accept cash. |
Philadelphia Water Bill Fees, Penalties and Payment Allocation
| Fee or rule | Official amount / order | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank payment | Free | Good for avoiding card fees and late payments. |
| eCheck | Free | Free online or by phone if you have routing and account number. |
| Residential debit/credit card online or phone | $2.95 | Fee applies when paying by card. |
| Commercial debit/credit card online or phone | $15.95 | Commercial card fee is higher than residential fee. |
| In-person debit card | $3.45 | Debit card must be PIN-protected. VISA debit is not accepted in person but can be used online. |
| In-person credit card | 2.10% or $1.50 minimum | Calculate before choosing in-person card payment. |
| Returned check | $20 | Use correct bank details for eCheck or mailed check. |
| Late fee | 5% of total if not paid on time, plus 0.5% each month water charges remain unpaid. | Apply for assistance or agreement before debt grows. |
What MyPhillyWaterBill Helps You Do
Pay and allocate
Pay water bills and manually allocate amounts toward certain charge categories when needed.
AutoPay
Set up recurring bank payments so bills are paid monthly and on time.
Paperless billing
Enroll in e-billing and reduce the risk of missed paper bills.
Past bills
Find and print water bills for the last 13 months. For older bills, contact Water Revenue at (215) 685-6300.
Usage review
Use account information and bill history to review high usage, estimates and billing changes.
Reminders
AutoPay guidance says customers can use email or SMS reminders and payment notifications.
AutoPay: Set It Up Without Surprises
Create or log in to MyPhillyWaterBill
You need your Water Access Code and payment method information to create the account and set up AutoPay.
Open the AutoPay tab
Use the AutoPay tab in the portal. AutoPay is designed for recurring payments from your preferred payment method.
Choose full, partial or threshold rules
City guidance says customers can decide whether to pay the entire bill or part of it and can set threshold amounts so more than that is not debited.
Keep funds available
Payments are withdrawn automatically, so make sure enough money is in the account when the bill is debited.
Philadelphia Water Phone, Email and Mailing Address
Billing and accounts
Water Revenue Bureau: (215) 685-6300, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Email: wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov.
Water emergency
PWD Water Emergency Hotline: (215) 685-6300, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bill payment mail
Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
PWD mailing address
Philadelphia Water Department, 1101 Market Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Do not send bill payments here.
In-Person Philadelphia Water Payment Centers
| Location | Address | Hours / note | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center City | Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse Level | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Customers who need full payment center access, including cash option. |
| Northeast Philadelphia | 7522 Castor Ave. | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; no cash payments. | Card/check customers in Northeast Philadelphia. |
| North Philadelphia | 2761 N. 22nd St. | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; no cash payments. | Card/check customers in North Philadelphia. |
Philadelphia Water Bill Assistance: TAP, Senior Discount, Grants and Hardship
One application
The City says customers can apply for all water assistance programs using one application.
Who should apply
Apply if you are low income, a senior, or facing special hardship that makes the bill hard to pay.
Questions
Email application questions to watercap@phila.gov or call (215) 685-6300. Do not submit application materials by email.
| Help option | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| TAP / Tiered Assistance Program | Can help based on income or special hardship. | Start the customer assistance application and gather documents. |
| Special hardship | May include household growth, job loss, serious illness, family loss, domestic violence or other qualifying circumstances. | Explain the situation on the Special Hardship page of the application. |
| Senior discount | City resources reference a senior citizen water bill discount for eligible seniors. | Use the customer assistance application or official senior discount page. |
| UESF / emergency grants | One-time grants from state or partner programs may help lower-income households with overdue bills. | Check water.phila.gov/care or call (215) 685-6300 for current options. |
| Review time | The City says assistance application review can take about two months. | Continue paying what you can while the application is processed. |
Past Due or Shutoff Risk: What To Do Fast
If shutoff is possible: Call (215) 685-6300. Requesting a customer assistance application can provide a 30-day shutoff protection window, and customers are protected while the application is processed if they submit it properly.
Payment agreement
Most residential agreements require a 25% down payment and repayment over 6–12 months. Commercial agreements require 50% down and 3–6 months.
Medical delay
A 30-day medical delay may be available for serious illness. Medical documentation must be on file within five business days of the original request.
Tenant protection
If your landlord is the account holder and stopped paying, tenants may have rights under utility tenant protections. Call before service is shut off.
High Philadelphia Water Bill: Leak and Usage Checklist
Use the meter leak dial
Stop all water use. If the small blue dial on the water meter still moves, water is flowing and a leak may exist.
Do a toilet dye test
Put dark food coloring or drink mix in the toilet tank, wait about 10 minutes, and check whether color appears in the bowl without flushing.
Customer responsibility
PWD says customers are responsible for leaks from the water main connection and throughout the property, plus related expense.
| Check | What it can reveal | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Meter blue dial moving when all water is off | Hidden water use or leak. | Inspect fixtures and call a plumber if needed. |
| Toilet dye appears in bowl | Likely flapper or toilet leak. | Repair quickly; small toilet leaks can raise bills. |
| Hose bib or outdoor spigot dripping | Outdoor leak that may be easy to miss. | Turn inside valve off and repair the spigot. |
| Faucet, showerhead or sink cabinet leak | Worn washers, gaskets or loose fixtures. | Repair or call a plumber; save receipts if disputing usage. |
| Bill shows estimated or actual reading changes | Estimated-to-actual bill shift may change amount due. | Compare meter readings, usage history and billing period. |
What Your Philadelphia Water Bill Includes
Water usage
The amount of water used, shown through meter readings and usage history.
Sewer usage/service
Sewer charges may appear with water/sewer service and usage categories.
Stormwater
Stormwater charges are a separate bill category and may matter when partial payments are applied.
Repair / HELP charges
Some accounts may include repair charges or HELP loan balances. MyPhillyWaterBill helps with payment allocation.
Become a Philadelphia Water Customer or Put Service in Your Name
Property owners
Use the official “Become a water customer” service page for owner-specific account setup and documentation steps.
Tenants
Tenants may need different documents depending on lease and property status. Check official tenant instructions.
Occupants
If you occupy the property but are not the owner, follow the official occupant instructions before assuming payment responsibility.
Philadelphia Water Bill Helper
Choose your situation and get the safest route. This tool does not collect account details.
Official MyPhillyWaterBill Tutorial
Philadelphia Revenue has a MyPhillyWaterBill video showing free one-time online payments, recurring automatic payments and paperless billing features. Use it for portal orientation only; always verify fees and payment rules on phila.gov before paying.
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Local Philadelphia Tips That Actually Help
Do not trust the domain name alone
The City warned about fake MyPhillyWaterBill lookalike websites. Start from phila.gov, not from search ads or copied portal names.
Cash payment location matters
Municipal Services Building allows cash payments. Castor Ave. and N. 22nd St. are listed as no-cash locations.
Use eCheck for fee-free payment
eCheck and automatic bank payments are free. Card payments are convenient but not fee-free.
Tenants should read the lease
If the landlord is the account holder and the shutoff notice is due to landlord non-payment, call because tenant protections may apply.
High bill? Check basement meter first
Many Philly rowhomes have the meter in the basement near the wall closest to the street. The blue dial can reveal hidden flow.
Apply for help early
Assistance review can take about two months, but requesting an application may help protect against shutoff while you complete the process.
Philadelphia Water Payment Center Map
This map is for the Municipal Services Building payment center. For live account status, payment posting, shutoff or emergencies, call the City instead of relying on map information.
Center City payment center
Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse Level.
Listed hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mail-payment warning
Do not mail payments to the Municipal Services Building or PWD’s Market Street address. Use Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496.
Official Philadelphia Water Links Used in This Guide
Philadelphia Water Department Bill Pay FAQs
Where do I pay my Philadelphia water bill online?
Start from the official City page at phila.gov/waterbill or the official Pay a water bill service page, then continue to MyPhillyWaterBill.
What do I need to pay a Philadelphia water bill?
You need your 9-digit Water Access Code and ZIP code. For eCheck, you also need your bank routing number and checking or savings account number.
Is eCheck free for Philadelphia water bills?
Yes. The City lists eCheck and automatic bank payments as free.
What is the Philadelphia water bill card fee?
Online and phone debit/credit card fees are listed as $2.95 for residential accounts and $15.95 for commercial accounts.
What is the Philadelphia water bill phone number?
For Water Revenue billing and account questions, call (215) 685-6300 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For water emergencies, call the same number 24/7.
Can I pay a Philadelphia water bill by phone?
Yes. Call (215) 685-6300 for free eCheck by phone. Call (877) 309-3709 for debit or credit card payment through the interactive voice system.
Where do I mail a Philadelphia water bill payment?
Mail check or money order with the return portion of the bill to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
Where can I pay in person?
The City lists Municipal Services Building at 1401 JFK Blvd., 7522 Castor Ave., and 2761 N. 22nd St. Check payment method rules before visiting because some locations do not accept cash.
How do I avoid a Philadelphia water shutoff?
Call (215) 685-6300, request assistance, apply within the required time window, or ask about a payment agreement. Medical delay and tenant protections may apply in certain situations.
How do I check for a leak causing a high bill?
Turn off all water and check whether the small blue meter dial moves. Also test toilets with food coloring, inspect hose bibs, faucets, showerheads, sink cabinets and basement fixtures.
Does Philadelphia offer water bill assistance?
Yes. Assistance may help low-income customers, seniors and customers with special hardship. Use the official water bill customer assistance application and call (215) 685-6300 for help.
Is this page the official Philadelphia Water Department website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. For payment, balance, assistance, shutoff, account or emergency decisions, use official phila.gov, water.phila.gov or MyPhillyWaterBill links.
Pay Your Water Bill Safely, Fix High Bills, Avoid Shutoff, Start Service and Find Official Utility Links
Use this free USA water bill assistant before paying online, calling utility billing, setting up AutoPay, checking a high bill, requesting leak help, starting or stopping service, handling a past due account, or searching for the official city utility portal.
What water bill problem do you need to solve?
Choose your situation. The tool will suggest the safest route, what to prepare, and which official page or office to check first.
Open the official city, county, water authority or utility website first. Do not enter account details into a random sponsored payment page.
If the bill is unusually high, compare usage, billing days, meter read type, toilet leaks, irrigation, late fees and leak adjustment rules before paying blindly.
Safe Water Bill Payment Route
Choose how you want to pay. This helps users avoid wrong portals, posting delays and urgent shutoff mistakes.
AutoPay / Bank Draft Setup Helper
Use this before enrolling in recurring payments so the first draft, current balance and payment date do not surprise you.
High Water Bill Review
Compare your normal bill and usage with the current bill. This gives a practical path before requesting a high bill review.
Leak Adjustment Proof Checklist
Use this before asking for a leak adjustment, high bill review, sewer adjustment or payment plan.
Past Due, Shutoff Notice and Reconnect Helper
Use this if your bill is late, you received a shutoff notice, service is off, or you need a payment plan.
Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service
Use this before moving, closing an account, starting service, transferring service or requesting a final bill.
Water Bill Cost Estimate
Estimate a simple monthly bill from base charge, water usage, sewer, stormwater, trash, service fees and late charges. Official tiered rates may be different.
Bill Dispute and Meter Reading Checklist
Use this before calling billing support about a meter reading, duplicate payment, wrong address, missing payment, estimated bill, or incorrect charge.
Official Water Bill Portal and Phone Finder
Enter city/utility and state to create safe searches for official water bill pay, phone payment, guest pay, AutoPay, start service, leak adjustment, reconnect, assistance and this site’s guide.
Official portal safety
- Use official city, county, authority or utility websites first.
- Check service address before paying.
- Save confirmation number and screenshot.
- Call the utility for shutoff or reconnect situations.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first payment section or before FAQs. It turns every water bill article into a practical help page, not only a list of links.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Always confirm payment portals, fees, shutoff rules, assistance programs, account balance and reconnection steps with the official utility.