Chicago Water Bill & Utility Billing Help
Need to pay a City of Chicago water, sewer, garbage or water-sewer tax bill, set up a payment plan, use Quick Pay, report a water leak, apply for Utility Billing Relief, check 2026 water rates, or handle a property-transfer water bill issue? This guide gives the official task path first.
Chicago utility billing is mainly handled by the Department of Finance Utility Billing & Customer Service. The Department of Water Management handles water infrastructure issues such as street leaks, broken mains, water quality, sewers and 311 service requests.
Do This First for Your Chicago Water Bill
Use Quick Pay from the official City utility billing website.
Quick Pay / utility billingLogin to pay, enroll in paperless billing, set AutoPay or SelectPay, and set up a payment plan.
Online account loginCall 312-744-4426 or email utilitybill@cityofchicago.org for account-specific billing help.
Call utility billingCall 311 for water on street, flooding, broken pipes outside the residence, hydrant issues or emergency water shutoff.
Call 311Before You Pay, Confirm This Is City of Chicago Utility Billing
Bill name
Your bill should identify the City of Chicago Department of Finance Utility Billing & Customer Service and may include water, sewer, garbage and water-sewer tax charges.
Safe website
Use utilitybill.chicago.gov, chicago.gov, or the official Quick Pay path. Do not click a random payment link from an email or text.
Correct Chicago
This page is for the City of Chicago, Illinois. It is not for Chicago Heights, West Chicago, South Chicago Heights, East Chicago, or another suburb.
City of Chicago Water Bill Payment Options
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Pay | The City utility billing site offers Quick Pay so customers can make a payment without signing into a full online account. | Fast one-time payment when you have the account information. | Save the confirmation. If the bill is urgent, verify posting before assuming the account is safe. |
| Online Account Management | Log in to pay, enroll in paperless billing, set up AutoPay or SelectPay, and create a payment plan. | Regular account management, monthly control, payment history and relief follow-up. | Use the site directly instead of an email link to avoid phishing. |
| Phone / automated system | Call Utility Billing & Customer Service at 312-744-4426. Payment-plan setup is also available through the automated phone system. | Customers who need account help, payment plan setup, bill dispute or phone route. | Have account number, service address, bill date and payment confirmation ready. |
| Mail payment using the address shown on the bill. Sample City utility bills list Department of Finance – Utility Billing, P.O. Box 6330, Chicago, IL 60680-6330. | Routine non-urgent check or money-order payment. | Include the bill stub and account number. Do not mail close to the due date if the account is at risk. | |
| In person | Pay at City Hall or a Department of Finance payment center / EZ Pay station. | Cash, urgent confirmation, payment-plan setup, account document help and customers without internet access. | Bring your bill, account number, ID if needed and payment method. |
| Payment plan | Payment plans can be set up online, by automated phone system at 312-744-4426, or in person at a Department of Finance Payment Processing Center. | Past-due balances and customers who cannot pay the full balance at once. | Do this before ignoring the bill; relief programs and payment plans are different tools. |
Online Account Management vs Quick Pay
Use Quick Pay when…
- You only need to make one payment.
- You do not want to create a login right now.
- You have the account details from the bill.
- You can save the payment confirmation.
- You are not trying to manage paperless billing or AutoPay.
Use Online Account Management when…
- You want to view your account more than once.
- You want paperless billing.
- You want AutoPay or SelectPay.
- You need a payment plan.
- You want a better record of payments and account activity.
Chicago Water Bill Phone, Email, Address and Payment Centers
Utility Billing
312-744-4426. Use for bill payment questions, payment plans, account balance, disputes, UBR account number help and water/sewer billing support.
utilitybill@cityofchicago.org. Use for non-urgent utility billing disputes or documentation follow-up.
City Hall payment center
121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 107A. Use the payment-center page for current locations and hours before visiting.
Water Management / 311
For water on street, broken pipes outside the residence, open hydrant or emergency water shutoff, call 311 immediately.
Payment Plan Options for Past-Due Chicago Utility Bills
Open the online utility account
The online account site lists payment-plan setup as one of the account-management tools.
Use the automated phone system
Call 312-744-4426 and use the automated utility billing options if you cannot set up the plan online.
Visit a payment center
The City says payment plans can also be set up in person at a Department of Finance Payment Processing Center.
Check relief eligibility too
Payment plans help spread payments, but UBR and Leak Relief may reduce qualifying charges or address old debt if you meet program rules.
Keep proof of every payment
Save confirmation numbers, receipts and plan terms. This is especially important if the bill has penalties, old debt or property-transfer timing.
Utility Billing Relief: 50% Reduction and Debt Forgiveness Path
Chicago’s Utility Billing Relief Program is one of the most important pages for low-income homeowners with City water/sewer bills.
Rate reduction
UBR gives eligible residents a 50% reduction on water charges, sewer charges and the water-sewer tax. Garbage fees are not included.
No penalties / collection hold
The UBR page says no penalties or debt collection on past-due City of Chicago utility bill debt during the program.
Debt forgiveness
After successfully completing 12 months in the program and paying current reduced charges, previous unpaid balance may be forgiven.
| UBR eligibility item | Official requirement summary | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Property type | Single-family, 2-unit or 3-unit property. | Service address and property information. |
| Owner-occupancy | Applicant must own and live in the property. | Owner information and proof if requested. |
| Identity | Applicant must provide SSN, ITIN or other accepted identification. | Identification documents for applicant and household members as required. |
| Income | Household must meet LIHEAP income qualification, with all household income counted for the last 30 days. | Pay stubs, benefits letters, unemployment proof, pension/VA/SSA letters or self-employment worksheet. |
| Application timing | Application must be completed in one session and may expire after inactivity. | Have documents saved before starting. |
| Processing | The FAQ says processing time is up to 30 days from receipt of a complete application. | Keep your confirmation email and watch for follow-up. |
Chicago Water Leak Relief Program
What it helps
The Leak Relief Program helps with bills from eligible outdoor or underground leaks.
How it helps
The utility billing site says the program reduces impacted bills to an average of usual usage when requirements are met.
How benefit appears
Benefits are applied to the utility account; this is not a cash reimbursement for plumbing repair work.
Repair the leak first
Stop the water loss and save proof. Leak review normally needs dates, repair invoices, receipts, photos or inspection details.
Use 311 or DWM when needed
For suspected street-side leak, water on street or emergency shutoff, call 311 so the Department of Water Management can route the request.
Compare normal bills
Keep prior bills because relief is based on the difference between leak-period usage and usual/average use.
Apply through the official route
Start from the City utility billing / Leak Relief page so you follow current pilot-program requirements and upload the right proof.
Chicago Water and Sewer Rates Effective June 1, 2026
Chicago’s water and sewer rates are voted on and approved by the Mayor and City Council. Metered accounts are billed based on water used in the billing period.
| Rate / charge | 2026 official detail | What it means for users |
|---|---|---|
| Water rate effective 6/1/2026 | $37.18 per 1,000 cubic feet, shown by the City as about $4.98 per 1,000 gallons. | Use gallons or cubic feet carefully when estimating; 1,000 cubic feet is about 7,480 gallons. |
| Rate increase | 1.85% increase effective 6/1/2026 compared with the previous rate. | A small increase can still raise larger bills if usage is high. |
| Sewer charge | Chicago sewer charge is commonly billed based on water usage and is typically shown as matching the water charge for metered usage. | High water usage can double the impact because sewer can rise with water use. |
| Water-sewer tax | City water-sewer tax FAQ lists tax based on water and sewer usage, including $0.295 per 1,000 gallons water and $0.295 per 1,000 gallons sewer. | This can appear as a separate tax line on the utility bill. |
| Garbage fee | City utility bills may include garbage charges where applicable. | UBR discounts do not include garbage fees. |
| Nonmetered accounts | Nonmetered/assessed water accounts are not billed by actual measured water consumption. | MeterSave may matter for eligible single-family or two-flat assessed accounts. |
Quick Chicago Water/Sewer Estimate Tool
This calculator uses the 2026 water rate example. It is for planning only, not an official City bill.
Not official billing. Actual bills may include garbage, penalties, payment-plan amounts, old balances, exemptions, UBR discounts, Leak Relief credits, nonmetered charges or other account-specific items.
High Chicago Water Bill Checklist Before You Call
Check the bill itself
- Compare gallons or cubic feet used, not just total dollars.
- Check whether the bill is metered or nonmetered.
- Look for sewer, garbage, water-sewer tax and penalties.
- Confirm your last payment posted before paying again.
- Check whether a past balance rolled into the current bill.
- Save prior bills for comparison.
Check for usage and leak causes
- Running toilet or silent toilet leak.
- Outdoor spigot, hose or underground service leak.
- Basement/crawlspace water line issue.
- Construction, landscaping or unusual water use.
- Water on street or public-side issue requiring 311.
- Eligible outdoor/underground leak that may fit Leak Relief.
Metered, Nonmetered and MeterSave Accounts
Metered account
Properties with water meters are billed based on actual water used in the billing period. High usage matters.
Nonmetered / assessed account
Nonmetered accounts are assessed rather than billed by actual measured use. MeterSave may be relevant to eligible single-family or two-flat homes.
UBR and MeterSave conflict
The UBR FAQ says MeterSave customers may apply for UBR, but they will be permanently removed from MeterSave if they enroll.
Property Sale, Full Payment Certificate and Final Water Bill Issues
Chicago property transfers often involve a Full Payment Certificate, called an FPC. This is a separate task from making a normal monthly water bill payment.
What an FPC means
A Full Payment Certificate is issued by the Department of Finance to indicate that all utility charges are paid or otherwise resolved for transfer purposes.
When buyers/sellers care
FPC issues can appear during sales, quit claim deed transfers, condo conversions, new construction or other real-estate transfer events.
Expiration detail
City FPC guidance says certified FPCs can expire after 60 days depending on account type and meter-reading status.
Department of Water Management: What Goes to 311
| Issue | Correct route | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Water on street | 311 / CHI 311 | Exact location, cross street, photos if safe, whether water is flowing or pooling. |
| Broken pipe outside your residence | 311 immediately | Address, side of street, if water is entering property or roadway. |
| Open fire hydrant | 311 immediately | Location and whether water is creating hazard or flooding. |
| Emergency water shutoff | 311 immediately | Tell 311 it is an emergency water shutoff request. |
| Check for leak request | Call 311 or 312-744-5000 | Chicago 311 says this request type is handled by phone, not online form. |
| Billing dispute | 312-744-4426 or utilitybill@cityofchicago.org | Account number, bill copies, payment confirmation and documentation. |
Local Chicago Tips Most Generic Pages Miss
Billing is Finance, not Water Management
For bills, payment plans, UBR and disputes, call Department of Finance Utility Billing at 312-744-4426. For street water and infrastructure issues, use 311.
Quick Pay is not the same as account management
Quick Pay is good for one payment. Online Account Management is better for AutoPay, SelectPay, paperless billing and payment plan tools.
Chicago bills can include more than water
Water, sewer, water-sewer tax, garbage, penalties, payment-plan charges and prior balances can all affect the total.
UBR can be better than a basic payment plan
If eligible, UBR can reduce water/sewer/tax rates and may forgive old debt after program completion. Check before assuming only a payment plan is available.
Leak Relief is narrow but powerful
It is aimed at eligible outdoor or underground leaks and reduces impacted bills toward usual usage. Keep repair proof and prior bills.
Property transfer water bills are special
FPC rules can affect real estate closings. Handle water account status early if buying, selling, converting or transferring a property.
Chicago City Hall Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for City Hall at 121 N. LaSalle Street. For utility billing, confirm the current payment center location, room and hours before visiting.
City Hall payment center
121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 107A, Chicago, IL 60602.
Bring this
Bill, account number, service address, ID if needed, payment method, repair proof or income documents if applying for relief.
Do not visit for 311 emergencies
For water on street, hydrant issue, emergency shutoff or outside broken pipe, call 311 immediately instead of visiting a payment center.
Official Chicago Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Chicago City Water Department FAQs
How do I pay my Chicago water bill online?
Use the official City of Chicago utility billing website at utilitybill.chicago.gov. You can use Quick Pay without signing in or log into Online Account Management.
What is the Chicago water bill customer service phone number?
Call Utility Billing & Customer Service at 312-744-4426 for water/sewer billing, payment plans, balance questions, disputes and account support.
Who handles Chicago water and sewer billing?
The Department of Finance handles utility billing, including water and sewer charges for the Chicago Department of Water Management.
Who handles water main breaks or water on the street?
Water on street, outside broken pipes, hydrant problems and emergency water shutoff requests should go through 311 or 312-744-5000 from outside Chicago.
Can I pay a Chicago water bill without signing in?
Yes. The City utility billing site includes Quick Pay for making a payment without signing into a full online account.
Can I set up AutoPay or paperless billing?
Yes. The online utility account system lists paperless billing, AutoPay and SelectPay as account-management options.
Can I get a payment plan for a Chicago utility bill?
Yes. Payment plans can be set up online, through the automated phone system at 312-744-4426, or in person at a Department of Finance Payment Processing Center.
What is Chicago Utility Billing Relief?
Utility Billing Relief is a City program for eligible low-income homeowners. It can provide a 50% reduction on water, sewer and water-sewer tax charges and may forgive previous unpaid balance after successful program completion.
What is the Chicago Leak Relief Program?
The Water Leak Relief Pilot Program helps eligible customers with bills from qualifying outdoor or underground leaks by reducing impacted bills to an average of usual usage, with benefits applied to the utility account.
What is Chicago’s 2026 water rate?
The City rate table lists the water rate effective June 1, 2026 as $37.18 per 1,000 cubic feet, about $4.98 per 1,000 gallons.
Why is my Chicago water bill so high?
Common reasons include a running toilet, outdoor or underground leak, metered usage increase, sewer charges, water-sewer tax, garbage fee, penalties, old balance or payment not yet posted.
Where can I pay in person?
The City lists payment locations including City Hall at 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 107A, and other Department of Finance payment centers / EZ Pay locations.
What is a Full Payment Certificate?
A Full Payment Certificate is a Department of Finance certificate used in property transfer situations to show that utility charges are paid or resolved.
Is WaterBillsPay.org the official City of Chicago website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Chicago.gov and utilitybill.chicago.gov links for payment, account status, relief programs, rates and 311 service requests.
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.