Philly Water Account & Payment Help
Need to pay a Philadelphia water bill, avoid a fake payment site, check fees, set up AutoPay, mail a check, visit an office, dispute a bill, or get help before shutoff? Start with the City’s official MyPhillyWaterBill route, then use the exact section below for your situation.
This guide is built for quick scrolling: official links are placed inside the steps where you actually need them, not dumped at the end.
Start Here: What Are You Trying To Do?
Use the City’s official MyPhillyWaterBill route. Create an account or pay through the official payment website.
Open official payment siteAutomatic bank payments and eCheck are listed as free. Card payments have processing fees.
See official fee tableApply for assistance with one application. Seniors, low-income customers, and hardship cases may qualify.
Start assistance applicationUse the dispute route, check leak responsibility, and gather your bill/account details before calling.
Dispute a water billPay a Philadelphia Water Bill Safely: Step-by-Step
Use only the City’s official payment route
Open phila.gov/waterbill. The City warns that fake payment websites may mimic MyPhillyWaterBill, and the official water bill payment site does not end in .org or .com.
Use your Water Access Code
To sign up for a MyPhillyWaterBill account, you need your 9-digit Water Access Code from the bill and your ZIP code. If your bill is lost, call (215) 685-6300.
Choose the right payment method
Use eCheck or automatic bank payment if you want the City-listed free options. Use debit or credit card only after reviewing the processing fee.
Save proof and watch posting time
Online payments submitted through MyPhillyWaterBill may post within about 2–3 days. Mailed payments can take up to five days from when the City receives the check.
Call if the bill is urgent, late, or confusing
For water billing questions, call the Water Revenue Bureau at (215) 685-6300, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov.
Critical Scam Warning: Don’t Use the Wrong MyPhillyWaterBill Site
Safe sign
Start from phila.gov/waterbill or an official phila.gov page.
Red flag
Do not trust a water payment site just because it looks official or appears in search results.
Before paying
Check your account activity on the official site or compare it with your printed bill.
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment Methods and Fees
| Payment method | Official fee / detail | Best for | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank payment | Free online option using savings or checking account. | Customers who want recurring monthly payment and no processing fee. | Pay page |
| eCheck | Free. For phone eCheck, banking account and routing numbers are required. | Customers who want a no-card-fee payment. | eCheck details |
| Online / phone debit or credit card | Residential card fee: $2.95. Commercial card fee: $15.95. | Fast payment when you accept the processing fee. | Card fees |
| In-person debit card | $3.45. PIN-protected debit required. VISA debit is not accepted in person but can be used online. | Customers visiting an authorized payment center. | In-person fees |
| In-person credit card | 2.10% or $1.50 minimum. | Customers paying at an office and willing to pay a card fee. | In-person fees |
| Cash | Cash is accepted only at the Municipal Services Building. | Cash-paying customers in Center City. | Office locations |
| Check or money order by mail | Mail the bill return portion with check or money order to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496. | Customers not close to the due date. | Payment mailing address |
MyPhillyWaterBill Account: When Login Is Better Than Quick Pay
Use online account when you need…
- View, pay, or print bills online.
- Print copies from the last 13 months.
- Set up AutoPay.
- Track posting after payment.
- Check account activity if you suspect a scam or wrong payment.
Keep these ready
- 9-digit Water Access Code from the bill.
- ZIP code for enrollment.
- Bank routing/account number for eCheck or automatic bank payment.
- Payment receipt or confirmation screen.
- Bill copy if calling WRB.
Pay by Phone, Mail, or In Person
Phone payment
Call (215) 685-6300 to pay with eCheck. For debit/credit card through the interactive voice system, call (877) 309-3709.
Phone payment detailsMail payment
Make check or money order payable to Water Revenue Bureau and mail to P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
Mailing addressIn-person payment
Use the Municipal Services Building for cash. Northeast and North Philadelphia locations are listed as no-cash locations.
Payment centers| Location | Address | Hours listed by City | Cash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center City | Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse Level | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Yes, cash payments listed here. |
| Northeast Philadelphia | 7522 Castor Ave. | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments. |
| North Philadelphia | 2761 N. 22nd St. | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments. |
Late Fees, Returned Checks, and Partial Payments
Late fee
The City says 5% of the total is added if you don’t pay on time, plus 0.5% for each month water charges remain unpaid.
Returned check
The City lists a $20 returned check fee under Philadelphia Code 19-509(7).
Partial payments
If you don’t use MyPhillyWaterBill and pay less than the full amount, payment is applied from oldest to newest debt and then by City payment-order rules.
Can’t Pay the Full Bill? Use Assistance Before It Gets Worse
One application: Philadelphia Water Department and the Water Revenue Bureau use one customer assistance application for programs including income-based help, senior discount, TAP, payment agreements, and special hardship claims.
Who should apply?
Customers who are low income, seniors, or dealing with a special hardship that makes it hard to pay.
Documents matter
Online applications need electronic copies or photos of documents. Mail applications need photocopies; do not send originals.
Application questions
Email watercap@phila.gov for application questions, but application materials cannot be submitted by email.
Senior Citizen Water Bill Discount
What it is
The City lists a 25% discount on water and sewer bills for qualifying Philadelphia senior citizens.
Senior discount pageBasic requirements
- At least 65 years old.
- Live at the water service address.
- Have the water/sewer bill in your name.
- Total annual household income of $42,100 or less.
New Owner, Tenant, or Lost Bill Problems
New property owner
PWD says once your deed is recorded, the account should update and bills should begin in your name in about 30 days.
PWD FAQIf it takes longer
If it has been over 30 days, the buyer can fax the top copy of the settlement statement to WRB at (215) 686-0199 or (215) 686-6852.
Name-change FAQLost bill / missing access code
Call (215) 685-6300 to request your Water Access Code and then print a copy online through MyPhillyWaterBill.
Access code helpHigh Bill or Leak? Check These Before You Just Pay
Check sinks and cabinets
PWD recommends checking cabinets under sinks for puddles. If found, turn off the supply valve and contact a plumber.
Check forgotten fixtures
Basement toilets or utility sinks can be easy to overlook and may explain unusual water use.
Know responsibility
PWD is responsible for leaks from the water main and sewer main. Customers are responsible from the connection to the main and throughout the property.
Water Shutoff, Restore Service, or Prevent Shutoff
Find the reason
Use the official shutoff section to understand why water service may be shut off and what action applies.
Reasons for shutoffPrevent shutoff
If you cannot pay in full, check payment agreements and assistance before service reaches a shutoff stage.
Prevent shutoffRestore service
If service is already off, use the official restore-service instructions and contact WRB quickly.
Restore water servicePhiladelphia Local Tips That Actually Help
Cash payer? Go to MSB, not Castor or N. 22nd
The City lists cash payments at the Municipal Services Building only. Northeast and North Philadelphia locations are listed as no-cash locations.
Don’t wait until the due date if mailing
Mailed payments can take time to post after the City receives your check. Pay online if you are close to the deadline.
For in-person help, call first or make an appointment
The City says appointments are not required for in-person services but strongly encourages customers to make an appointment or call before coming in.
Buying a home? Watch the first 30 days
After deed recording, the account should update. If not, follow WRB settlement-statement instructions before bills pile up.
Philadelphia Water Bill Office Map
Use the map for the Municipal Services Building because it is the key in-person payment location and the only listed cash-payment site. Verify hours before visiting.
Official Philadelphia Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment FAQs
What is the official Philadelphia water bill payment website?
The safe public starting URL is www.phila.gov/waterbill. The City warns that fake MyPhillyWaterBill websites may appear in search results.
What do I need to create a MyPhillyWaterBill account?
You need your 9-digit Water Access Code from your bill and your ZIP code. If you lost the bill, call (215) 685-6300 to request your code.
Is eCheck free for Philly water bills?
Yes. The City lists eCheck as free. Automatic bank payments are also listed as free.
How much is the online card fee?
The City lists online and telephone debit/credit card fees as $2.95 for residential accounts and $15.95 for commercial accounts.
Can I pay my Philadelphia water bill with cash?
Cash is listed for the Municipal Services Building at 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse Level. The Northeast and North Philadelphia locations are listed as no-cash locations.
Where do I mail a Philadelphia water bill payment?
Mail the bill return portion with a check or money order payable to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
What is the phone number for water bill questions?
For billing-related questions, call the Water Revenue Bureau at (215) 685-6300, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov.
What if I cannot afford the full water bill?
Apply for assistance through the water customer assistance application at cap.phila.gov, or use the official payment agreement and assistance pages.
Do seniors get a Philadelphia water bill discount?
Qualifying senior citizens may receive a 25% discount. The City lists basic requirements including age 65+, living at the address, bill in your name, and household income of $42,100 or less.
Who is responsible for water leaks on my property?
PWD is responsible for leaks from the water main and sewer main. Customers are responsible for leaks from the connection to the main and throughout the property.
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.