Charles County Water & Sewer Payment Desk for Online Pay, Shutoff Help, Rates and Moving Requests
This guide is for customers whose water/sewer invoice is issued by Charles County Government, not by the Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head.
Use it to pay the bill, verify the balance, request more time, understand a high bill, estimate the quarterly charge, handle a final reading, or reconnect water service after nonpayment.
Fast answer: Charles County water/sewer customers can pay through the Paymentus Customer Portal, the responsive one-time payment system, by phone at 866-477-8742, by mail, in person at the La Plata or Waldorf payment center, or by night drop box.
Stop before paying: the county says this online payment service is not for Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head water/sewer bills. Payments for those municipal bills, or for accounts outside Charles County jurisdiction, may be returned.
Charles County Water Bill: 10 Quick Facts Users Need First
First: Make Sure This Is a Charles County Government Bill
The county’s online payment warning is clear: do not use the Charles County portal for Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head water/sewer invoices.
Use this page if the bill says
Charles County Government, Water/Sewer Billing, P.O. Box 1630, La Plata, MD 20646, or Charles County water/sewer account.
Do not use this page if the bill says
Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head. The county lists La Plata at 301-934-8421 and Indian Head at 301-753-6633.
Best safety check
Match the provider name, account number, payment URL and phone number printed on the invoice before entering card or bank information.
Charles County Action Board: Pick the Correct Next Step
Water disconnected
Pay, then call Billing. Online/phone payments do not automatically schedule reconnection.
Call 301-645-0624Need more time
Request one extension or one deferred payment plan before the scheduled disconnect date.
Plan rulesSewer backup or utility emergency
Call Public Works Utilities before calling a plumber if county lines may be involved.
Call 301-609-7400How to Pay Charles County Water/Sewer Bill Online or by Phone
| Payment route | Official detail | Best for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paymentus Customer Portal | County-linked online portal for water/sewer utility bill payment. | Online account/payment access. | Customer Portal |
| Responsive one-time payment | County-linked one-time payment system. | Quick payment without deeper account tools. | One-time payment |
| Phone payment | Dial 866-477-8742. County lists it as available 24/7/365. | Customers who cannot use online payment. | Call 866-477-8742 |
| Account inquiry | Use the account number from your bill to view balance online. | Lost bill or balance check before paying. | Account Inquiry |
| Posting caution | The county’s online payment notice says to allow 3 business days for credit card payments to post. | Not ideal when shutoff/reconnection is urgent. | Online payment notice |
Mail, Office Payment Centers and Night Drop Boxes
La Plata Government Building
200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, MD 20646. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
See mapWaldorf Payment Center
3670 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601. The county notes the Waldorf office closes daily from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
See Waldorf mapMailing address
Charles County Government, Water/Sewer Billing, P.O. Box 1630, La Plata, MD 20646.
Billing FAQDisconnected or Scheduled for Shutoff? Follow This Order
Verify exact balance
Check account inquiry or call Billing. Have the water/sewer account number ready.
Verify amountPay before 3 p.m.
Payment after 3:00 p.m. can result in reconnection the following business day.
Pay one-timeCall after payment
The county says Billing is not automatically alerted for online or phone payments.
Call BillingDo not wait until shutoff day
Extension or plan requests on the scheduled disconnect date may be denied or not reviewed in time.
See extension rulesReconnection call script
Payment Extension and Deferred Payment Plan Rules
| Option | Official rule | User warning | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-week extension | Qualifying accounts may receive a one-week extension from the scheduled disconnect date. | Submit before the scheduled disconnect date. Approval is not guaranteed. | Extension page |
| Deferred payment plan | Payments must be scheduled so the last payment is received one week before the next quarterly bill. | You cannot request an extension and later request a payment plan for the same bill. | Plan rules |
| First payment | Minimum first payment is $50 and must be made before or immediately after the request. | If paid online, provide the Remittance ID number. | Make payment |
| Tenant rule | Tenant plans require a renter’s form on file and written landlord approval sent directly to the county. | Landlord approval should go to wsbilling@charlescountymd.gov. | Email Billing |
| Late charges still apply | Extension/plan approval does not stop late status. | Late payment charge can be 10% of unpaid current bill plus 3% interest on arrears. | Read details |
Water/Sewer Payment Assistance Contacts
The county lists local organizations that may help with water/sewer bills. Contact them early because assistance review can take time.
| Organization | Phone | Location / note | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities | 301-934-2582 | 11670 Doolittle Dr., Waldorf | |
| Interfaith | 301-374-9028 | 3444 Rockefeller Ct., Waldorf | Call |
| Lifestyles | 301-609-9900 | 101 Catalpa Dr. #103, La Plata | Call |
| Department of Social Services | 301-392-6940 | 200 Kent Ave., La Plata | Email DSS |
| Salvation Army – Charles County | 301-638-9532 | 7 Post Office Road, Waldorf | Call |
| Southern Maryland Tri-County Action Committee | 301-274-4474 | 8371 Old Leonardtown Road, Hughesville | Call |
Current Official Rate Page: July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026
As currently published by Charles County, the official water/sewer rate page is labeled for the fiscal rate period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Check the same official page before publishing if the county updates the next fiscal-year table.
| Charge | Official amount shown | Why users care | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential water tier 1 | 0–18,000 gallons/qtr: $6.05 per 1,000 gallons | Normal usage commonly lands here. | Rates page |
| Residential water tier 2 | 18,001–24,000 gallons/qtr: $12.10 per 1,000 gallons | Lawn watering or leaks can push usage here. | Rates page |
| Residential water tier 3 | 24,001+ gallons/qtr: $18.15 per 1,000 gallons | Large leaks or heavy outdoor use can make bills rise quickly. | Rates page |
| Residential sewer | $13.69 per 1,000 gallons, capped at 24,000 gallons | Usage over 24,000 gallons is not charged sewer fee. | Rates page |
| Customer account fee | $11.60 for commercial/multi-family/residential and metered sewer accounts | Fixed quarterly charge added to usage. | Rates page |
| Bay Restoration Fee | $5.00/month residential; multiply by 3 for quarterly bill | Usually $15.00 per quarterly residential bill. | Bay Fee |
| Disconnect/reconnect weekday | $52 | Possible service charge when water is disconnected/reconnected. | Service fees |
| Returned payment | $35 | Returned e-check or chargeback can add cost. | Online payments |
| Final reading processing | $25 | Used for sale, transfer or final billing. | Billing forms |
Charles County Quarterly Bill Calculator
This planner uses the current official rate page shown above. It estimates residential quarterly water/sewer usage only and is not a live account balance.
Actual account balance can include penalties, 3% arrears interest, returned-payment fee, final-reading fee, service fees or prior balances.
High Charles County Water/Sewer Bill? Check This First
Meter movement test
- Stop all water use inside and outside.
- Look for movement on the meter dial or red star.
- If it moves while nothing is on, a leak may exist.
- Document what you found before calling.
Common leak checks
- Running toilet or faulty flapper.
- Outdoor hose or spigot.
- Hot water heater area.
- Ice-maker or under-sink connection.
- Wet ground near private service line.
Still unsure?
Call Billing at 301-645-0624 or 301-870-2542. For sewer backup concerns, call Public Works Utilities at 301-609-7400 before calling a plumber.
Call BillingMoving, Final Reading, Tenant Rule and Owner Responsibility
| Situation | County rule | What to do | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final reading | Billing forms must be completed by the owner or agent on record; tenants cannot complete them. | Request the final reading before closing/move-out timing becomes urgent. | Billing forms |
| Final reading fee | $25 processing fee appears on the official rate page. | Budget it during sale, move-out or transfer. | Fees |
| Property management | The Property Management Form lets rental agents manage water/sewer rental accounts, receive invoices/notices, sign renter forms and request final readings. | Owner and agent both need to sign the form. | Property Management Form |
| Tenant account help | Tenant extensions/plans require renter form and landlord approval where applicable. | Have landlord send written approval directly to the county. | Email Billing |
Water/Sewer Emergency and Public Works Contacts
Utility emergency
Call Department of Public Works Utilities at 301-609-7400 for water/sewer emergency or service request help.
Call 301-609-7400Mattawoman office
5310 Hawthorne Road, La Plata, MD 20646. Normal business hours listed by the county are Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Public Works UtilitiesSewer backup
County FAQ says to call Public Works before calling a plumber so the county can determine whether the blockage is in county or private lines.
Call before plumberE-Billing and Account Inquiry
E-billing
E-billing sends the water/sewer invoice by email instead of mail. Late notices still print and mail if payment is not received by the due date.
E-Billing Sign UpEmail support
Email wsbilling@charlescountymd.gov with account number, service address, question and callback number.
Email BillingCharles County Payment Office Maps and Visit Plan
Use La Plata for the main Water/Sewer Billing Office. Use Waldorf when it is more convenient, but note the daily midday closure and payment-processing timing.
Bring
Bill, account number, ID, payment method, confirmation/remittance ID, landlord approval if tenant, and any final-reading or deferred-plan paperwork.
Ask before leaving
“Is my account current now, will penalty or arrears interest remain, and is reconnection scheduled if my water was off?”
Timing tip
For shutoff prevention or reconnection, do not rely on slow posting. Confirm directly with Billing.
Official Charles County Water/Sewer Links
Charles County Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Charles County water/sewer bill online?
Use the Paymentus Customer Portal or the responsive one-time payment system linked from the county’s official Pay Water/Sewer Bill Online page.
What is the Charles County water/sewer phone payment number?
Call 866-477-8742. The county lists phone payment as available 24/7/365.
What is the Charles County Water/Sewer Billing phone number?
Call 301-645-0624 or 301-870-2542. The Billing Office is listed at 200 Baltimore Street, P.O. Box 1630, La Plata, MD 20646.
Can I pay Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head water bills here?
No. The Charles County online payment service is not for Town of La Plata or Town of Indian Head water/sewer invoices. Use the municipality printed on your bill.
What should I do if my Charles County water was disconnected?
Pay the required balance, then call Billing at 301-645-0624 or 301-870-2542 to schedule reconnection. Payment after 3:00 p.m. may result in reconnection the following business day.
Can I get a payment extension or deferred payment plan?
Possibly. Requests must be submitted before the scheduled disconnect date. You can choose either an extension or a deferred payment plan, not both. Deferred plans require a minimum $50 first payment.
What are the current official Charles County residential water rates?
The official page currently lists 0–18,000 gallons per quarter at $6.05 per 1,000 gallons, 18,001–24,000 gallons at $12.10, and 24,001+ gallons at $18.15.
How is residential sewer billed?
The official page currently lists residential sewer at $13.69 per 1,000 gallons, capped at 24,000 gallons per quarter.
Who can request a final reading?
Charles County says Water/Sewer Billing forms must be completed by the owner of the property or agent on record. The Billing Office will not accept forms completed by tenants.
Who should I call for a sewer backup?
Call Public Works Utilities at 301-609-7400 before calling a plumber, so the county can determine whether the blockage is in county lines or private lines.