Sf Water Bill 2026: Charges, Fees & Bill Explained

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San Francisco • SFPUC water, sewer, stormwater and bill relief

SFPUC Water Bill Help Center: Pay, Read, Dispute or Lower Your San Francisco Bill

Use this page when you need to pay a San Francisco water bill, understand sewer and stormwater charges, start or stop service, avoid shutoff, request a payment plan, or fix a high bill after a leak.

Every step includes the official SFPUC link, phone number, office detail, deadline or form path so you can finish the task without guessing through search results.

Open My Account Payment Options Choose My Situation

Fast answer: SFPUC water/sewer bills are due 15 days from the bill date. You can pay through My Account, make a one-time online payment, call the automated payment provider at 844-737-8222, mail payment to San Francisco Water, P.O. Box 7369, San Francisco, CA 94120-7369, or pay in person at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor.

If the bill is already overdue: request a payment plan before the account moves toward shutoff or lien. If income is low, check CAP because it can reduce qualifying water/sewer bills by 25% or 40%.

Pay / View Bill Request Payment Plan Apply for CAP Discount Leak Allowance

SF Water Bill Quick Facts

Main phone415-551-3000Water/sewer account help
Pay by phone844-737-8222Automated payment provider
Bill due15 daysFrom bill date
Late penalty0.5%Each 30 days or fraction
In person9–4:30Mon–Fri, 525 Golden Gate
Phone/email8–5Wednesday starts 9am
CAP discount25–40%For eligible customers
Leak appeal15 daysFrom first high-bill notice

SFPUC Action Board: Click the Official Link Inside the Step

Choose your situation first. This avoids the common mistake of paying when you actually need a payment plan, leak allowance, CAP discount or emergency report.

1

I need to pay now

Use My Account or the official one-time payment path. Have your account number ready.

Open My Account
2

I want all payment options

Compare online, phone, mail, cash barcode, in-person, drop box, bank BillPay and automatic payment options.

See payment methods
3

I am behind on bills

Start with the overdue-bill resource page and request a payment plan before the balance becomes a shutoff or lien issue.

Overdue bill help
4

I need a payment plan

Payment plans apply to past-due balances. Current bills still must be paid separately.

Request payment plan
5

I need a lower monthly bill

Low-income customers with qualifying accounts may get 25% or 40% off water/sewer bills through CAP.

Apply for CAP
6

My bill jumped suddenly

Check for leaks fast. For leak allowance, apply within 15 days of the first high-bill notice and submit repair proof.

Leak allowance

How to Pay an SF Water Bill Without Using the Wrong Channel

Payment method Official detail Best for Action link / number
My Account View and pay your bill and check water use online. Regular payments, usage review, eBill, AutoPay and account management. Open My Account
One-time online payment SF Water EZ-Pay supports credit card, debit card, eCheck and eCash. Credit/debit card payments have a $1,000 limit within a 30-day period. Quick payment without full account setup. Start from My Account
Pay by phone SFPUC lists 844-737-8222 for the automated payment service provider. Customers who want automated payment by phone. 844-737-8222
Mail Send check or money order payable to San Francisco Water. Do not mail cash. Non-urgent payments. San Francisco Water, P.O. Box 7369, San Francisco, CA 94120-7369
In person Customer Service & Cashier Counters at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, 9am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, excluding legal holidays. Receipts, urgent restoration payments, complicated account issues. Customer Service info
Cash barcode Cash payments can be made at participating 7-Eleven, CVS, Walgreens and Speedway stores using an EZ-Pay barcode. Cash-paying customers who cannot visit 525 Golden Gate. Get payment instructions
Urgent payment tip: Do not mail payment if the account is already near shutoff or restoration. Use the official pay portal, call Customer Service, or pay in person if SFPUC tells you in-person payment is required.

My Account Login, Registration and One-Time Payment

1

Register or log in

My Account lets customers view and pay bills and check water use quickly online.

Open My Account
2

Use a current browser

The My Account page warns older browsers may not support the application.

Check portal
3

Forgot User ID or password?

Use the portal recovery option or call Customer Service at 415-551-3000 if recovery fails.

Use recovery tools
4

Closed account warning

My Account says a closed account will no longer be accessible after 60 days from the closing date.

Read account info

Read Your SF Water Bill: Water, Sewer and Stormwater Explained

A San Francisco water bill can look high because it includes more than water usage. Check each charge before assuming the meter is wrong.

Bill line What it means Why it may appear even with low usage Official link
Water service charge Fixed charge based on meter size. SFPUC services the meter even if little or no water is consumed. Read bill guide
Water delivery charge Consumption charge for water used. If the property uses no water, this usage component should not apply. Bill calculator
Wastewater service charge Fixed wastewater charge. It is not the same as water delivery usage. Wastewater explanation
Wastewater volumetric charge Estimated wastewater discharge based on water use multiplied by a flow factor. SFPUC lists 90% for single-family residential and commercial customers and 95% for multi-family residential customers. Flow factor detail
Stormwater charge Based on property size and paved or impermeable surfaces that cannot absorb rain. This can be charged even if it is not raining or the property is using little water. Stormwater appeal
Bill dispute tip: SFPUC says a bill is considered proper unless a protest is made within 15 days after the bill is produced. If you disagree, pay “under protest” to avoid delinquency collection action and contact Customer Service.

Past-Due SF Water Bill: Shutoff, Lien and Restoration Steps

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Regular bill due date

Regular and closing bills are due 15 days from the bill date.

Verify bill terms
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Late penalty

Any charge or fee not paid within 30 days may receive a late penalty equal to 0.5% for each 30 days or fraction of 30 days.

Read past-due rule
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48-hour notice

Before water service is discontinued for nonpayment, SFPUC says a 48-hour notice is posted on the premises.

Shutoff policy links
1

If you received a notice

Call Customer Service at 415-551-3000 and ask whether a payment plan, CAP, temporary exemption or other bill-relief route applies.

Overdue bill steps
2

If service was discontinued

SFPUC says full payment must be made in person at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, 9am–4:30pm Monday–Friday before restoration. Same-day restoration is not guaranteed.

Restoration rule
3

If lien warning arrives

Call 415-551-3000 to determine the full amount due. SFPUC says recorded liens include administrative fees and interest, and unpaid liens may transfer to the Tax Collector.

Lien details
4

If you need language access

SFPUC shutoff policy information is linked in multiple languages including Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Policy translations
Most important: Do not wait until the 48-hour notice if you already know the bill cannot be paid. Payment plans and CAP are much easier to handle before the account reaches restoration or lien status.

How to Request an SFPUC Payment Plan

A payment plan spreads out a past-due balance. It does not erase current bills, and the current charges must still be paid separately.

1

Open the payment plan page

Use the online request form or call Customer Service at 415-551-3000.

Payment plan page
2

Prepare required details

SFPUC lists account number, account holder name, phone, service address, mailing address if different, requested months and preferred payment method.

Required info list
3

Watch unknown calls

SFPUC says an agent may need to call with questions, so answer unknown numbers while the request is pending.

Plan instructions
4

Keep the confirmation

SFPUC says confirmation is sent within 1–2 weeks. Your plan amount may not appear on the regular bill, so keep the confirmation amount.

Confirm plan rule
Plan mistake to avoid: One late payment can cancel the payment plan. If you cannot pay on time, contact SFPUC before the payment date and ask about an alternative plan.

SFPUC CAP Discount: 25% or 40% Off Eligible Water/Sewer Bills

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Discount amount

Eligible water/sewer customers may receive 25% or 40% off their bill.

CAP page
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Shutoff/lien protection

SFPUC says customers enrolled in CAP are exempt from water service shutoffs and liens.

CAP protection detail
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Processing and renewal

Discounts begin the first full billing cycle after approval. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing, and reapply every 36 months.

CAP timing
CAP requirement What it means Helpful action
One SFPUC water/sewer account You cannot use the program across multiple water/sewer accounts. Check the account number at the top of your bill.
Bill must be in your name The discount is tied to the customer account holder. Update account info if needed before applying.
Full-time resident You must live at the address receiving the discount. Use your service address when applying.
Single-family individually metered account Examples not eligible include fire service, residential multiple, irrigation, commercial and wholesale accounts. Check your customer class on the bill.
Income limit Household income must fit CAP guidelines. Apply online or call 415-551-3000 for paper application help.
Tenant tip: If you are the SFPUC account holder, you may enroll directly even as a tenant. If your landlord holds the water account and you pay through rent or passthrough, SFPUC says the discount cannot be applied to the landlord’s bill for your household.

High SF Water Bill or Leak Alert: What to Do Before the Deadline

1

Check for continuous use

SFPUC leak alerts use hourly meter data where available and may notify the account holder, owner and occupants if continuous use is detected.

Leak alert info
2

Find and repair the leak

Common causes are running toilets, irrigation, faucets, hidden pipes, water heaters and outdoor lines. Repair first, then apply.

Leak allowance page
3

Apply within 15 days

SFPUC says customers must apply within 15 days of the first notice of the high bill or contact the High Consumption Unit.

Submit allowance request
4

Submit repair proof

Proof may be a plumber invoice or purchase receipt. If you repaired it but lack proof, call 415-551-4780 to ask about inspection.

Proof requirements
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Fast toilet test

  • Put food coloring in the toilet tank.
  • Wait without flushing.
  • If color enters the bowl, the flapper may leak.
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Outdoor check

  • Check irrigation timers.
  • Look for wet soil near the meter.
  • Inspect hose bibs and garden lines.
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High Consumption Unit

For high-bill leak allowance questions, call 415-551-4780.

Leak allowance details
Local insider move: Do not wait for the next bill after finding a leak. Repair it, keep proof, and start the allowance request while the 15-day clock is still safe.

Stormwater Charge Appeal or Credit: When It Can Lower the Bill

The stormwater part of the bill is different from water usage. It is tied to property area and impermeable surfaces, so a low water-use month does not always reduce it.

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Stormwater appeal

Appeals can address change in ownership, property area assessment errors, or changing the split of stormwater charges among accounts on a property. Filing an appeal is free.

File stormwater appeal
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Stormwater credit

Customers who install green infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable pavement or cisterns that reduce runoff may qualify for a stormwater credit. Applying is free.

Apply for stormwater credit
Business/property-owner tip: If your SF water bill is high because of stormwater, do not call it a “meter issue.” Use the stormwater appeal or credit route and gather parcel/property documentation.

Start, Stop or Update SFPUC Water/Sewer Service

1

Start service online or by phone

SFPUC says online service requests are reviewed within 5 business days, and a Customer Service Representative contacts you to complete the request.

Start service details
2

Call if timing is urgent

For move-in/move-out timing, call Customer Service at 415-551-3000 instead of waiting on email.

Contact Customer Service
3

Update account details

SFPUC says account information can be updated by mail, email, phone or MyAccount.

Update in My Account
4

Closed account access

Download needed bills and receipts soon. My Account says closed accounts are no longer accessible after 60 days from closing.

Open portal

No Water, Low Pressure, Sewer Backup or Service Problem

Billing questions go to SFPUC Customer Service. Active service problems should go through 3-1-1 or SF311.

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No water / low pressure

Report service problems through 3-1-1 or SF311.

Open SF311
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Sewer backup / catch basin

Report sewer backups, clogged catch basins, flooding and wastewater odors through 3-1-1 or SF311.

Report service issue
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Taste, odor or color

Report issues with water taste, odor or color as a service problem, not only as a billing question.

Emergency list
Do not use a payment form for emergencies. If water is actively flowing, backing up, flooding or unsafe, use 3-1-1/SF311 first.

10 SF Water Bill Attributes With Practical Answers

Attribute Answer that matters Best next step
Official bill portal My Account lets users pay bills and check water use. Open My Account
Main customer-service phone Water and Sewer Customer Service: 415-551-3000. Call with account number ready.
Payment due date Regular and closing bills are due 15 days from the bill date. Pay before the due date or request a plan.
Past-due penalty 0.5% penalty for each 30 days or fraction on unpaid charges. Ask for current payoff amount.
Payment plan Applies to past-due balances; current charges must be paid separately. Request plan
CAP discount Eligible customers may get 25% or 40% off water/sewer bills. Apply for CAP
High-bill leak allowance Apply within 15 days of first high-bill notice; proof of repair required. Start leak allowance
Stormwater appeal Free appeal for ownership, area-assessment error or split-charge issues. File appeal
Emergency reporting No water, low pressure, sewer backups and flooding go through 3-1-1/SF311. Open SF311
Office visit Customer Service/Cashier Counters: 525 Golden Gate Ave., 1st Floor, 9am–4:30pm weekdays. Bring bill, ID, payment method and documentation.

SFPUC Customer Service Map and Visit Plan

Use this for in-person payments, restoration payments, account problems, CAP help, payment-plan issues or documents you need to hand deliver.

Bring

Account number, bill, photo ID, payment method, proof of repair, CAP documents or payment-plan confirmation.

Ask before leaving

“Is my account current, is any penalty still pending, and do I need to do anything else to avoid shutoff or lien?”

Drop box rule

Use check or money order only. SFPUC says not to leave cash in the drop box.

SF Water Bill FAQ

How do I pay my San Francisco water bill online?

Use SFPUC My Account to view and pay your bill, check water usage or start a one-time payment. You can also review SFPUC’s payment method page for phone, mail, cash barcode, in-person and automatic payment options.

What is the SFPUC water bill customer service number?

Call Water and Sewer Customer Service at 415-551-3000. Have your account number ready; it is located at the top of your bill.

What is the SFPUC pay-by-phone number?

SFPUC lists 844-737-8222 as the automated payment service provider number for water/sewer bill payments.

When is an SFPUC water/sewer bill due?

Regular bills and closing bills are due 15 days from the date of the bill.

What happens if my SF water bill is past due?

Charges not paid within 30 days may receive a late payment penalty of one-half of one percent for each 30 days or fraction of 30 days. If the balance remains unpaid, the account can move toward shutoff or lien steps.

Can I get a payment plan for an overdue SFPUC bill?

Yes. SFPUC allows customers to request a payment plan for past-due balances online or by calling 415-551-3000. Current monthly charges must still be paid separately.

Who qualifies for the SFPUC CAP water/sewer discount?

Eligible low-income customers with qualifying single-family individually metered residential accounts may receive a 25% or 40% discount. The bill must be in the applicant’s name and the applicant must live full time at the service address.

How do I request a leak allowance for a high SF water bill?

Apply through SFPUC’s Leak Allowance program within 15 days of the first notice of the high bill. You must submit proof of repair electronically or contact the High Consumption Unit at 415-551-4780.

Why is there a stormwater charge on my SF water bill?

The stormwater charge is based on property size and impermeable surfaces that cannot absorb rain. It can apply even when water usage is low because SFPUC must maintain the sewer and stormwater system.

Who do I contact for no water, low pressure or sewer backup?

For no water service, low pressure, taste/odor/color concerns, sewer backups, clogged catch basins, flooding or wastewater odors, use 3-1-1 or SF311.

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