CAW Account, Fees & Pay Help
Use this practical guide to pay a Birmingham Water Works / Central Alabama Water bill safely, choose the cheapest official payment method, avoid wrong-account payments, set up AutoPay, handle a past-due bill, read your meter, request help for leaks, and know when to call Customer Care.
Every major step below includes the official link inside the step, so users can act quickly without scrolling through long paragraphs or searching again.
Start Here: Pick Your Bill Pay Situation
Log in or pay as guest through the official customer portal. Guest payment only needs your account number.
Open official portalCAW lists checking-account payment as free when you log in to the online account.
See official fee detailsCall Customer Care before waiting. CAW says representatives may review due-date extension or payment-plan options.
Call 205-244-4000H2O Foundation may help eligible customers with bills or leak-related plumbing repairs.
H2O Foundation helpPay a Birmingham Water Works Bill Online: Practical Steps
Open the official CAW / BWWB portal
Use web.bwwb.org from the official Birmingham Water Works payment page. Do not enter account details on a random bill-pay result.
Choose login or guest payment
Log in if you want billing history, payment history, paperless billing, AutoPay, multi-account management, or stop/transfer service. Use guest pay only when you just need a one-time payment and have the account number ready.
Pick the right payment method before submitting
CAW lists online checking-account payment as free. Credit/debit card payments have a $2.49 processing fee. Guest payments also have a $2.49 processing fee.
Save the confirmation number
Phone and online payments receive a confirmation number. Save it with the payment date, amount, account number, and bank/card record.
Call if the bill is urgent or past due
For due-date extension, payment plan, delinquent status, disconnect risk, or assistance questions, call Customer Care at 205-244-4000.
Birmingham Water Works Payment Options and Fees
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online account login | Schedule payment, paperless billing, billing/payment history, AutoPay, multi-account management, stop/transfer service, and free checking-account payment. | Customers who want the full account view and lowest online fee route. | Manage account |
| Guest payment | No registration or login required. You just need your account number. A $2.49 processing fee applies to all transactions through this option. | One-time payment when you have the correct account number. | Guest payment |
| Phone payment | Call toll-free 1-877-565-3802. $2.49 processing fee applies. Transactions are limited to $500 or less. | Customers who prefer phone payment or cannot use the website. | Call phone payment |
| Mail payments to Central Alabama Water, P.O. Box 830269, Birmingham, AL 35283-0269. | Customers paying by check/money order with enough mailing time. | Mail payment rules | |
| Customer Payment Center | 101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222. Lobby and drive-thru listed Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Customers who want in-person or drive-thru payment support. | Payment center |
| 24-hour drop box | Available 24 hours at the Customer Payment Center. Payments post next business day. | After-hours paper payment when next-business-day posting is acceptable. | Drop box detail |
| Walmart Money Center | Bring your CAW bill or account number. Pay with cash or debit card. Walmart charges a $2 transaction fee; payments post immediately to the CAW account. | Cash/debit customers who want a local retail payment option. | Walmart payment detail |
Phone, Mail, Walmart, Office and Drop Box Details
Customer Care
205-244-4000. Use this for account questions, payment plans, due-date extension, high bill, re-read, disconnect status or service help.
Contact pagePhone payment
1-877-565-3802. A $2.49 fee applies and transactions are limited to $500 or less.
Call phone paymentMail payment
Central Alabama Water, P.O. Box 830269, Birmingham, AL 35283-0269. Allow mailing time before the due date.
Mail detailsPayment center
101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222. Lobby and drive-thru listed Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Map belowPosting Time, Confirmation Numbers and Same-Day Mistakes
Before 7 p.m.
Phone and online payments made before 7 p.m. are posted to the account the next day.
Posting rulesAfter 7 p.m.
Phone and online payments made after 7 p.m. are posted within 48 hours.
After-hours postingSave confirmation
Keep the confirmation number, amount, date, account number and bank/card proof until your account updates.
Check account statusAutoPay, Paperless Billing and Account Tools
AutoPay
Log in to the customer portal to set up and manage AutoPay. Confirm the first payment date before relying on it.
Set up AutoPaye-Billing
CAW says customers can go paperless by logging in and enabling electronic billing in Settings.
Enable e-BillingBilling history
Use the portal to view billing and payment history, manage multiple accounts and check account details before paying.
View account historyPast-Due Bill, Disconnection and Payment Plan Help
Call before the account reaches disconnect status
Customer Care can review whether an extended due date or payment plan may be appropriate for unexpected financial hardship.
Do not assume a partial payment stops shutoff
BWWB FAQs say if an account is in disconnect status, only full payment brings it current unless a payment arrangement was made.
Keep a payment arrangement on schedule
If an installment plan payment is missed, the account can be fast-tracked back into disconnection status and the installment plan is deactivated.
H2O Foundation Bill and Plumbing Repair Assistance
What it helps with
The H2O Foundation may help eligible customers with water/sewer bills, plumbing repairs, and certain deposits needed to restore service.
H2O Foundation pageAssistance amount
Eligible applicants can receive up to $500 in assistance once within a 12-month period.
Eligibility details| Eligibility item | Official detail users should know | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bill name | The bill must be in the applicant’s name. | Renters and family members should confirm whose name is on the account before applying. |
| Situation | Household must meet situational criteria such as 50+, SSDI, medical condition, unpaid bill or leak-related repair need. | Gather documents before calling. |
| Need | Eligible charges include water/sewer bill charges, taxes, plumbing repairs and certain deposits. | Leak repairs may matter as much as the bill itself. |
| Service result | CAW assurance may be needed that payment will result in restoration or continuation of service. | Call before shutoff or reconnection becomes urgent. |
Reconnect, Deposit, Transfer and Other Fees
| Fee | Amount listed | What it means | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnect fee | $63 for 2 inches or less; $101 for greater than 2 inches. | Charged to restore service for a delinquent account. | Other fees |
| After-hours service | $107 | Charged to an account that requests service after 3 p.m. | After-hours fee |
| Returned check | $37 | Assessed when a payment check is returned by the financial institution. | Returned check fee |
| Establishment of service | $43 | Charged when an existing service is activated for a new customer. | Service fee |
| Account transfer | $43 | Charged to transfer an existing customer’s account from one service point to another. | Transfer fee |
| Residential deposit with sewer | $120 | Listed deposit for residential customers with sewer. | Deposit fees |
| Residential deposit without sewer | $60 | Listed deposit for residential customers without sewer. | Deposit fees |
| Meter testing | $126 for 2 inches or less; $189 for greater than 2 inches. | Fee applies if the meter tests within AWWA specifications; waived if the meter is not in compliance. | Meter testing fee |
2026 Rate Note: Why Your Bill Can Still Change
No 2026 rate increase
Central Alabama Water announced its 2026 budgets do not include a rate increase and rates remain at the 2025 level.
2026 budget noticeTwo bill parts
CAW says bills include a fixed fee related to meter size and a variable charge based on monthly water use.
Bill structure noteUsage still matters
Variable charges have three rate tiers, so leaks, irrigation or higher household use can raise the bill even without a rate increase.
Water ratesHigh Birmingham Water Bill: Check These First
Check indoor leaks
Running toilets, faucets, water heaters, humidifiers, and hidden plumbing leaks can increase usage even when the home seems quiet.
Understanding leaksRequest a re-read
BWWB FAQs say customers who think a bill is too high can request a meter re-read online, by automated phone options, or by talking with Customer Care.
High bill FAQVacant property still billed?
BWWB says all accounts are charged a monthly base service charge even if no usage is recorded. If a vacant home shows usage, check for leaks.
Vacant home FAQ| What you notice | Likely issue | Best next action | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill jumps suddenly | Leak, irrigation, meter reading change, household usage change, or sewer charges. | Read the meter, compare CCF usage, then request a re-read if still unclear. | Request re-read |
| Standing water or visible leak | Possible Level 1 or Level 2 leak depending on severity. | Report the problem and describe severity clearly. | Report problem |
| Leak repair is unaffordable | Customer-side plumbing repair may be needed. | Contact H2O Foundation to ask about eligible plumbing repair assistance. | H2O help |
| Bill includes sewer too | Water and sewer charges may be on the same bill. | Use the billing explanation and account history to separate charge types. | Billing help |
Leak Levels and When To Report a Problem
Level 1 leak
Threatens health/public safety, risks major property damage, affects many customers, or completely interrupts water service.
Leak level guideLevel 2 leak
Some water flow, large standing pools of water, or meter leaks without health/safety issues.
Level 2 leak detailLevel 3 leak
Minor damp spots or slow flows that do not pose health, safety or major property-damage risks.
Level 3 leak detailHow To Read Your Meter Before Calling About a High Bill
Read left to right
BWWB says to read the meter number from left to right. Numbers with a black background are not used for monthly water consumption calculation.
How to read meterSubtract prior reading
Subtract the prior meter reading shown on the statement from the current reading.
Meter FAQConvert CCF to gallons
The result is CCFs, or hundred cubic feet. To convert CCF to gallons, multiply by 748.
CCF explanationLocal Birmingham Tips That Actually Help
BWWB vs Central Alabama Water name confusion
Many customers still search “Birmingham Water Works,” while the official site also uses “Central Alabama Water” and “CAW.” Use the official bwwb.org and web.bwwb.org links.
Use checking-account payment to avoid avoidable fees
Login payments using a checking account are listed as free. Guest pay, card and phone payment add a $2.49 processing fee.
Walmart is fast for cash/debit
Walmart Money Center payments post immediately to the CAW account, but Walmart charges a $2 transaction fee and you need the CAW bill or account number.
Partial payment may not protect service
If the account is already in disconnect status, a partial payment will not keep water on unless a payment arrangement was made.
Customer Payment Center Map and Visit Planning
Use this map for general orientation to the Birmingham customer payment center. Verify current service availability before visiting during holidays, severe weather or outage events.
Customer Payment Center
101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222.
Lobby and drive-thru
Listed hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Drop box
Available 24 hours. Payments post next business day.
Official Birmingham Water Links Used in This Guide
Birmingham Water Works Bill Pay FAQs
Where do I pay my Birmingham Water Works bill online?
Use the official customer portal at web.bwwb.org/myaccount or start from the official Payment and Billing Options page on bwwb.org.
Can I make a guest payment?
Yes. Guest payment does not require registration or login, but you need your account number and a $2.49 processing fee applies.
What is the cheapest official online payment option?
Log in to your account and pay using your checking account. CAW lists checking-account payment as free.
What is the credit or debit card fee?
Credit and debit card payments are listed with a $2.49 processing fee. Guest payment and phone payment also list a $2.49 processing fee.
What is the Birmingham Water Works phone payment number?
Call toll-free 1-877-565-3802 for phone payment. A $2.49 fee applies and transactions are limited to $500 or less.
What is the Customer Care phone number?
Customer Care is 205-244-4000. Use it for account questions, payment plans, due-date extensions, high bill questions, service issues and disconnect concerns.
Where can I pay in person?
The customer payment center is at 101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222. Lobby and drive-thru hours are listed Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. A 24-hour drop box is available.
Can Walmart take Birmingham Water Works payments?
Yes. CAW lists Walmart Money Center payments. Bring your CAW bill or account number. Walmart accepts cash or debit card and charges a $2 transaction fee.
What happens if my account is past due?
BWWB FAQs say any unpaid past-due balance is subject to disconnection at any time. If disconnected, the entire bill plus reconnect fee must be paid to restore service.
Can the H2O Foundation help with a water bill?
Eligible customers may receive help through the H2O Foundation for water/sewer bill charges, plumbing repairs and certain deposits. Call 205-244-4390 or use the H2O Foundation page.
How do I check if my high bill is from usage?
Read your meter from left to right, subtract the prior reading from the current reading, and multiply CCF by 748 to estimate gallons. Also check for leaks and request a re-read if needed.
Does this page collect Birmingham Water Works payments?
No. This is an informational guide. Use official bwwb.org or web.bwwb.org links for live payment, account balance, fees, service status and customer support.
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.