MyPhillyWaterBill Payment Guide for Fees, Access Code, Payment Plans and Shutoff Help
This page helps Philadelphia customers pay a water bill, find the right Water Access Code, choose the lowest-fee payment method, avoid scam payment sites, set up AutoPay, print old bills, dispute a charge, or get help before shutoff.
Use the action board first. Every step includes the official City or Philadelphia Water Department link beside the instruction, so you can move from reading to completing the task without hunting through several pages.
Fast answer: Philadelphia water customers can pay online through MyPhillyWaterBill using the 9-digit Water Access Code and ZIP code from the bill. eCheck and automatic bank payments are free. Residential debit/credit card payments online or by telephone have a listed $2.95 processing fee, while commercial card payments have a listed $15.95 fee. For billing questions, call the Water Revenue Bureau at 215-685-6300.
Scam warning: the City warns that its official water bill payment site does not end in .org or .com. Start from phila.gov or the MyPhillyWaterBill secure payment link.
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment: 10 Important Attributes With Answers
Philadelphia Water Bill Action Board: Use the Correct Official Link
Start here. Each card answers one real user situation and gives the correct official link inside the step.
I need to pay online
Use MyPhillyWaterBill. You need the 9-digit Water Access Code from your bill and your service address ZIP code.
Open MyPhillyWaterBillI want the lowest-fee payment
Use eCheck or automatic bank payment. The City lists both as free processing options.
Compare payment feesI cannot pay the full balance
Apply for water bill assistance or ask for a payment agreement before the account gets closer to shutoff.
Start assistance applicationI received a shutoff notice
Request assistance, a payment plan, medical delay, or Raise Your Hand protection if your household qualifies.
Prevent water shutoffI think my bill is wrong
Contact WRB first. If the issue is not resolved, request an informal hearing or formal appeal.
Dispute water billI need urgent water help
For water emergencies, call 215-685-6300. The Philadelphia Water Department lists the hotline as 24/7.
Open PWD contact pageHow to Pay a Philadelphia Water Bill Online
Start from the official portal
Go to MyPhillyWaterBill through phila.gov or the secure City payment link. Avoid unofficial .org or .com payment pages.
Open official portalFind the 9-digit Water Access Code
The City says your Water Access Code is found on the water bill. You also need the service address ZIP code.
Register accountChoose eCheck if you want no processing fee
eCheck is free but requires your bank routing number and checking or savings account number.
See payment requirementsSave the confirmation
Keep the confirmation number, date, amount, account/access code, payment method, and screenshot before closing the page.
View and pay billPhiladelphia Water Bill Payment Methods and Fees
The best payment method depends on whether you need the lowest fee, fastest proof, cash payment, or AutoPay.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCheck online | Free processing; needs routing number and checking/savings account number. | Lowest-fee payment. | Pay by eCheck |
| Automatic bank payments | Free. Requires MyPhillyWaterBill account and AutoPay setup. | Avoiding missed monthly bills. | Create account |
| Online/phone card payment | Residential card fee listed as $2.95; commercial card fee listed as $15.95. | Customers who prefer debit/credit card. | See card fees |
| Phone IVR card payment | Call 877-309-3709. Only debit and credit card payments are accepted through this phone number. | Paying without logging in online. | Call 877-309-3709 |
| Phone eCheck | Call 215-685-6300 to pay with free eCheck. | Bank-account payment with staff/phone help. | Call 215-685-6300 |
| Cash | Cash is accepted at the Municipal Services Building Center City location. | Customers without card or bank payment access. | See payment centers |
Pay by Phone, Mail or In Person
Pay by phone
Call 215-685-6300 for free eCheck, or use 877-309-3709 for card payment through the interactive voice system.
Official phone optionsPay by mail
Send the return portion of the bill with check or money order payable to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
Confirm payment addressPay in person
Use one of the authorized payment centers. Only the Center City Municipal Services Building location accepts cash payments.
Payment center detailsPrint Old Bills, Set AutoPay and Go Paperless
Find recent bills online
The City says MyPhillyWaterBill lets customers find and print water bills for the last 13 months.
Print recent billNeed an older copy?
For older bills, contact the Water Revenue Bureau at 215-685-6300 or request a copy in person at a service center.
Old bill instructionsSet up AutoPay
Create a MyPhillyWaterBill account, then sign up for recurring automatic monthly payments.
Sign up / AutoPayUse paperless billing carefully
Paperless helps avoid lost mail, but add a calendar reminder so you do not miss the due date if an email lands in spam.
Manage accountPartial Payments: Where Your Money Goes
This is a major detail Philadelphia customers miss. Paying less than the full amount may not reduce the line item you expected.
If you use MyPhillyWaterBill
The City says you can manually allocate payment amounts for water/sewer service charges, repair charges, and HELP loans.
Allocate payment onlineIf you do not use the portal
Partial payments are distributed from oldest to newest debt. If debt is the same age, categories like sundry invoices, penalties, stormwater, water/sewer, agreements, repairs, and HELP loans follow City order.
Read payment allocationLate Fees, Past-Due Water Bills and What to Ask Before Paying
Monthly unpaid charge
An additional 0.5% charge is added for each month water charges are not paid.
Read late-fee detailAgreement option
If you cannot pay in full, request a payment plan or assistance before the balance becomes a shutoff issue.
Set payment planPast-due call script
Philadelphia Water Shutoff: Prevent It or Restore Service
If a shutoff notice has arrived, do not only look for a payment button. Use the protection path that fits your household.
| Situation | Official detail | What to do now | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| You request assistance | The City gives a 30-day shutoff protection window when you request an application and protects you while the application is processed. | Submit the completed application within 30 days. | Request assistance |
| You need a payment plan | Most residential agreements require a 25% down payment and must be paid in 6–12 months; some low-income applicants may qualify for reduced down payment. | Ask WRB which agreement applies to your account. | Payment agreement |
| Water already shut off for non-payment | City guidance says service will be restored within 24 hours if you pay the full balance, set up a payment plan, apply for assistance, or discuss medical-emergency restoration if applicable. | Call 215-685-6300 or visit a payment center. | What to do after shutoff |
| Balance over $1,000 | The City says many customers may see shutoff if they owe more than $1,000 and are not on a payment plan or assistance program. | Apply or set up an agreement before doing nothing. | Read shutoff guidance |
Philadelphia Water Bill Assistance, TAP and Documents to Prepare
Philadelphia uses one assistance application for programs such as TAP, Senior Citizen Discount, and other water bill assistance options.
Start the one application
Fill out one application and the system determines which program offers the lowest bill.
Start CAP applicationGather residency proof
Accepted examples include current government ID, voter registration, lease/rent receipt, or dated documents showing your address.
View checklistGather income proof
Examples include tax return/W-2, pay stubs, benefit award letter, or income support form.
Application documentsSpecial Hardship documentation
Hardship examples include job loss, serious illness, household-size increase, death of main income earner, abuse-related shelter stay, or high bills/expenses.
Special hardship pathMedical Delay and Raise Your Hand Shutoff Protection
Medical delay
If someone has a serious illness and needs water service for health reasons, WRB may delay shutoff for 30 days. Call 215-685-6300, then submit documentation.
Medical delay instructionsRaise Your Hand
If a senior 65+, person with disability or serious illness, or child under 18 lives in the household, the City says water will not be shut off under the initiative, although the balance can continue to grow.
Raise Your Hand detailsTenant Warning: If the Landlord Did Not Pay the Water Bill
Philadelphia’s shutoff guidance gives tenants a separate protection path when the landlord is the water account holder.
If landlord is the account holder
The City says tenants should not have water shut off for landlord non-payment without a chance to stop the shutoff under the Utility Service Tenants Rights Act process.
Tenant shutoff detailsWho to call
Call 215-685-6300 and say you are a tenant who received a shutoff notice because the landlord has not paid.
Call WRBWhat to keep
Save the notice, lease, rent receipts, landlord messages, dates, and any household vulnerability details such as child, disability, serious illness, or senior resident.
Review protectionsHow to Dispute a Philadelphia Water Bill
Contact WRB first
Email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov, call 215-685-6300, or write to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
Dispute instructionsAsk for a written decision
If customer service does not fix the issue, you need a clear decision before moving to the next step.
Email WRBRequest an informal hearing
An informal hearing lets you present the dispute to a City of Philadelphia Hearing Officer.
Hearing processBring useful proof
Use meter photos, old bills, payment confirmations, plumber/repair proof, shutoff notice, emails, and dates of phone calls.
Print billsPhiladelphia Water Bill Payment Centers: Map and Visit Plan
Use Center City if you need a cash payment option. The Northeast and North Philadelphia centers are also listed by the City but do not accept cash.
| Payment center | Address | Hours listed | Cash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center City Municipal Services Building | 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse Level / Public Services Concourse | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. on payment page; Revenue contact page lists 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Yes, cash accepted at this center. |
| Northeast Philadelphia | 7522 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments listed. |
| North Philadelphia | 2761 N. 22nd St., Philadelphia | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments listed. |
Official Philadelphia Water Bill Links
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment FAQ
How do I pay my Philadelphia water bill online?
Use MyPhillyWaterBill. You need the 9-digit Water Access Code from your bill and your service address ZIP code. You can pay by eCheck, bank account, or card depending on the option selected.
Is eCheck free for Philadelphia water bills?
Yes. The City lists eCheck payments and automatic bank payments as free processing options. You need your bank routing number and checking or savings account number.
What is the Philadelphia water bill credit card fee?
The City lists online and phone debit/credit card fees as $2.95 for residential accounts and $15.95 for commercial accounts.
What number do I call to pay by phone?
Call 215-685-6300 to pay by free eCheck. For interactive voice card payment, call 877-309-3709.
Where do I mail a Philadelphia water bill payment?
Mail the return portion of your bill with check or money order payable to Water Revenue Bureau, P.O. Box 41496, Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496.
How much is the late fee if I do not pay on time?
The City says a 5% late fee is added if you do not pay on time. An additional 0.5% charge is added for each month water charges remain unpaid.
Can I get help if I cannot afford my water bill?
Yes. Use the Water Customer Assistance application. It screens for programs such as TAP, Senior Citizen Discount, hardship options, and payment agreements.
Can applying for assistance stop a water shutoff?
The City says customers who request an assistance application receive a 30-day window of protection and remain protected while the application is reviewed, as long as the completed application is submitted within the required window.
What should I do if my water was already shut off?
Call 215-685-6300 or visit a municipal services location. City guidance says service can be restored within 24 hours if you pay the full balance, set up a payment plan, apply for assistance, or discuss medical-emergency restoration if applicable.
How do I dispute a Philadelphia water bill?
Contact the Water Revenue Bureau first by calling 215-685-6300, emailing wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov, or writing to P.O. Box 41496. If unresolved, request an informal hearing with the City.