MyPhillyWaterBill Help Center for Payments, Late Bills and Shutoff Protection
Use this Philadelphia water bill guide when you need to pay online, find your 9-digit Water Access Code, avoid card fees, set up AutoPay, request assistance, dispute a bill, or prevent a shutoff.
Every step below includes the official City of Philadelphia link, phone number, address, or form page beside the action, so you can finish the task without searching again.
Fast answer: Pay a Philadelphia water bill through phila.gov/waterbill or the City’s MyPhillyWaterBill site. You need your 9-digit Water Access Code and service address ZIP code. eCheck and automatic bank payments are free; residential debit/credit card payments online or by phone have a listed $2.95 fee. For billing help, payment plans, assistance, or shutoff issues, call (215) 685-6300.
Scam warning: Philadelphia says it does not have a water bill payment website ending in .org or .com. Start from the official phila.gov water bill page if you are unsure.
Philadelphia Water Bill Quick Facts
Philadelphia Water Bill Action Board: Pick Your Situation
This section is built for people who are not reading a long article. Pick the problem and use the official link inside the step.
I need to pay right now
Use phila.gov/waterbill or MyPhillyWaterBill. Have your 9-digit Water Access Code and ZIP code ready.
Pay from official City pageI need to register
Create a MyPhillyWaterBill account using your Water Access Code and service address ZIP code.
Register MyPhillyWaterBillI lost my bill or access code
Call (215) 685-6300 or email the Water Revenue Bureau. Ask for help getting your Water Access Code or bill copy.
Contact Water RevenueI cannot pay in full
Apply for customer assistance or ask for a payment plan before the balance grows or a shutoff notice arrives.
Apply for water helpI received a shutoff notice
Request assistance, ask for a payment plan, or contact WRB about medical delay or protection options.
Prevent water shutoffMy water is already off
Call (215) 685-6300 or visit a customer service location to pay, set up a plan, or resolve meter access.
Restore service steps10 Philly Water Bill Answers Searchers Usually Need
1. Official pay page
Use phila.gov/waterbill. Start there to avoid fake payment pages.
2. Access code
You need the 9-digit Water Access Code printed on the water bill. If lost, call (215) 685-6300.
3. Free payment method
Use eCheck or automatic bank payment with checking/savings details. Card payments have fees.
4. Phone card payment
Use (877) 309-3709 for debit/credit card payment through the interactive voice system.
5. Pay by phone with free eCheck
Call (215) 685-6300 and use bank routing/account details for free eCheck payment.
6. Cash payment
Cash is accepted only at the Center City Municipal Services Building payment center.
7. Assistance protection
Requesting a customer assistance application can give a 30-day shutoff protection window. Submit the completed application within 30 days.
8. Payment plan
Most residential standard agreements require a 25% down payment and 6–12 months to pay.
9. Senior discount
Eligible seniors may qualify for a 25% discount if they meet age, residency, account-name, and income rules.
10. High bill check
Use MyPhillyWaterBill usage history and meter/leak checks before assuming the bill is wrong.
How to Pay a Philly Water Bill Online Without Login Mistakes
Start from the official City page
Go to phila.gov/waterbill. Philadelphia warns that fake payment websites exist, so this is the safest starting point.
Open official pay start pageUse the 9-digit Water Access Code
Find it on your water bill. You also need the service address ZIP code.
See what you needChoose eCheck to avoid card fees
eCheck is free, but you need your bank routing number and checking or savings account number.
Sign in to paySave proof
Keep the confirmation number, payment amount, date, account, and method. This matters if shutoff or late fees are involved.
Contact WRB if payment issuePhiladelphia Water Bill Fees and Cheapest Payment Path
| Payment method | Official fee detail | Use when | Official action link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic bank payment | Free | You want recurring monthly payment from checking/savings. | Register for MyPhillyWaterBill |
| eCheck | Free | You want to pay once without a card processing fee. | Sign in and pay |
| Online/phone debit or credit card | Residential: $2.95; commercial: $15.95 | You need card payment and accept the processing fee. | Review fees |
| In-person debit card | $3.45; PIN-protected debit required | You prefer a payment center and do not need cash. | Find payment centers |
| In-person credit card | 2.10% or $1.50 minimum | You want to pay at a center using credit card. | Payment center details |
| Mail check or money order | No card fee, but slower | Your bill is not urgent and you can mail early. | Mailing instructions |
Set Up AutoPay and Paperless Billing
AutoPay works with bank accounts
Use checking or savings account information. AutoPay does not use credit or debit cards.
Read AutoPay stepsPaperless + alerts
MyPhillyWaterBill can unlock paperless billing, alerts, usage history, and bill history.
Register account13 months of bills
Use MyPhillyWaterBill to view and print water bills for the last 13 months.
Sign inPast-Due Philly Water Bill or Shutoff Notice: What to Do First
Read the notice type
A “Past Due Notice” appears on the bill. A “Final Notice” is mailed before water service is shut off.
See shutoff reasonsRequest assistance quickly
The City gives a 30-day shutoff protection window when you request an assistance application. Submit it within 30 days.
Prevent shutoffAsk for a payment plan
Most residential agreements require 25% down and 6–12 months to pay. Low-income applicants may qualify for reduced down payment.
Set up payment planUse medical delay if needed
For serious illness, ask about a 30-day medical delay. Documentation must be sent within five business days of the original request.
Medical delay stepsCall script for a shutoff notice
If Philadelphia Already Turned Off Your Water
Call or visit first
If service was shut off for non-payment, call (215) 685-6300 or visit a customer service location to pay the full balance or set up a payment plan.
Restore water service24-hour restoration goal
Whenever possible, service is turned back on within 24 hours after satisfactory payment, a payment plan, or permitted meter access.
Read restoration ruleRestoration fee
The listed restoration fee is $100 for TAP applicants after shutoff and $100 for many regular service lines 2 inches or smaller.
See fee detailsWater Bill Assistance, TAP and Special Hardship Help
Philadelphia uses one customer assistance application for multiple water bill help programs. Do not wait until shutoff day to start it.
Start or request the application
Apply if you are low-income, a senior, or facing a special hardship such as job loss, serious illness, household change, death of a wage earner, or domestic violence.
Start assistance pageGather documents first
Prepare proof of residency, household members, income, and hardship documents. Online applicants need electronic copies or clear photos.
Application checklistUse partner help if stuck
Partner sites can help scan and submit documents. Philadelphia says people applying with partner help may finish faster when they bring all items.
PWD assistance optionsKeep paying what you can
Approval review can take about two months. Even if approved later, normal rates continue while the application is processing.
Review assistance rulesSenior Citizen Water Bill Discount in Philadelphia
Age
Applicant must be at least 65.
Residence
Must live at the address listed on the application.
Account name
The water and sewer bill must be in the applicant’s name.
Income
Total annual household income must be $42,100 or less.
Philadelphia Water Bill Payment Plan: What to Ask Before Agreeing
| Plan issue | What the City says | Ask this before you agree | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential standard plan | Most residential agreements require 25% down and must be paid in 6–12 months. | “What is my down payment and exact monthly payment?” | Prevent shutoff |
| Commercial plan | Commercial agreements require 50% down and must be paid in 3–6 months. | “Will this stop action on the account today?” | Commercial agreement rule |
| Low-income agreement | Some low-income customers may qualify for reduced down payment or income-based assistance. | “Should I apply for assistance instead of a standard plan?” | Payment plan page |
| Missed agreement | Standard payment agreements are limited; after failing two, full payment may be required. | “What happens if I miss one installment?” | Agreement terms |
Dispute a Philadelphia Water Bill or Shutoff Decision
Contact customer service first
Call (215) 685-6300, email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov, or write to the Water Revenue Bureau.
Dispute stepsExplain the exact issue
Disputes can involve amount due, payment agreement terms, shutoff notice, or other account concerns.
Start with WRBRequest a hearing if needed
If you are unsatisfied after a written decision, you may request an informal hearing with WRB.
Hearing detailsKeep proof organized
Save bills, screenshots, receipts, photos of meter readings, repair invoices, notices, and names of people you spoke with.
WRB contact pageHigh Water Bill, Estimated Reading, Meter Problem or Leak
Estimated or zero reading
If your bill shows an estimated reading or zero reading, Philadelphia says to call (215) 685-6300.
Customer responsibilitiesLeak dial test
Stop all water use. If the small blue dial on the meter continues moving, there may be a small leak.
How to read meterBroken meter
If the meter is damaged, call (215) 685-6300 to schedule repair or replacement.
Meter repair pagePhiladelphia Water Bill Payment Centers and Map
Use the Center City location if you need to pay in cash. Northeast and North Philadelphia locations offer water services, but the City says cash is only accepted at Center City.
| Location | Address | Hours | Cash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center City Municipal Services Building | 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Public Services Concourse, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for water payment page listing | Yes, this is the cash-payment center |
| Northeast Municipal Services Center | 7522 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments listed |
| North Philadelphia Municipal Services Center | 2761 N. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19132 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | No cash payments listed |
Official Philadelphia Water Bill Links
Philly Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Philly water bill online?
Start at phila.gov/waterbill or sign in to MyPhillyWaterBill. You need your 9-digit Water Access Code and service address ZIP code.
Where do I find my 9-digit Water Access Code?
The Water Access Code is printed on your water bill. If you lost the bill, call (215) 685-6300 and ask for help getting a copy or access code.
What is the cheapest way to pay a Philadelphia water bill?
eCheck and automatic bank payments are listed as free. Debit and credit card payments have processing fees.
What is the Philadelphia water bill phone payment number?
Call (215) 685-6300 to pay by free eCheck with bank information. For debit or credit card payment through the interactive voice system, call (877) 309-3709.
Can I pay a Philly water bill with cash?
Yes, but cash is accepted only at the Center City Municipal Services Building payment center, according to the City’s payment-center information.
What happens if my Philadelphia water bill is late?
The City lists a 5% late fee if you do not pay on time, plus an additional 0.5% charge for each month unpaid water charges remain.
How can I stop a Philadelphia water shutoff?
Request customer assistance, set up a payment plan, ask about medical delay if eligible, or contact WRB at (215) 685-6300. Requesting an assistance application can provide a 30-day shutoff protection window, but the completed application must be submitted within 30 days.
How do I restore water service after shutoff?
Call (215) 685-6300 or visit a customer service location to pay the balance, set up a payment plan, or resolve meter access. The City says service is restored within 24 hours whenever possible after satisfactory payment, a plan, or permitted meter access.
Can seniors get a Philadelphia water bill discount?
Yes. Eligible seniors may receive a 25% discount if they are at least 65, live at the address, have the bill in their name, and meet the listed household income limit.
What should I do if my Philly water bill is too high?
Check MyPhillyWaterBill usage history, look for estimated or zero readings, test for leaks, inspect toilets and basement plumbing, and call (215) 685-6300 if the meter, reading, or bill appears wrong.