Savannah Utility Bill Help Center for Payments, Penalties, High Bills and Service Requests
Use this Savannah water bill guide when you need to pay online, find your Account Number and Barcode, avoid a late penalty, request a payment arrangement, open service, stop service, or understand a high utility bill.
Every step below includes the official City of Savannah link or phone number beside the action, so you can finish the task without guessing which page is safe.
Fast answer: To pay a City of Savannah utility bill online, use the official payment portal and have the Account Number and Barcode from your payment coupon. Online eCHECK/ACH is fee-free under the city’s listed rules; other online payment options carry a $3.85 convenience fee. For billing help, call 912-651-6460 or visit Utility Services at 305 Fahm St., Savannah, GA 31401.
Late-bill warning: bills are generally due within 20 days. The late penalty stage begins around day 31, and a $50 administrative processing fee plus shutoff risk begins around day 38.
Savannah Water Bill Quick Facts
Savannah Utility Bill Action Board: Use the Correct Official Link
Start with the card that matches your problem. Each step includes the official destination.
I need to pay now
Use the official City of Savannah payment portal. Keep your Account Number and Barcode ready.
Open pay portalI need to avoid shutoff
Check the bill life cycle. Day 31 adds penalty; day 38 adds administrative fee and shutoff risk.
See shutoff rulesI cannot pay the full balance
Ask about a payment arrangement before the account reaches the $50 administrative-fee stage.
Arrangement rulesMy bill looks too high
Check toilets, faucets, irrigation, meter reads and seasonal outdoor use before assuming the bill is wrong.
High-bill causesI fixed a leak
Apply for a leak adjustment only after repairs are completed and documentation is ready.
Leak adjustmentI am moving
Transfer or disconnect service. Do not assume service stops automatically when you leave.
Transfer/stop serviceHow to Pay a Savannah Water Bill Online
Open the official portal
Start from the city’s official utility payment page, especially if you searched from Google.
Pay utility billFind Account Number + Barcode
The city says you need the Account Number and Barcode from the payment coupon of your bill.
Online pay instructionsChoose the right payment method
Use eCHECK when eligible if you want to avoid the online convenience fee. Other online options have a listed $3.85 fee.
Compare feesSave proof
Keep confirmation number, payment date, amount, Account Number and screenshot until the next bill posts.
Contact billingOnline Payment Fees, Limits and Practical Rules
| Payment choice | Official detail | Practical use | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCHECK / ACH | City pays the processing cost to keep this online option fee-free for customers. | Good for avoiding the convenience fee when eligible. | Payment rules |
| Card / PayPal / Venmo / Amazon | $3.85 convenience fee to the online processor for listed non-eCHECK options. | Useful when speed matters and fee is acceptable. | Fee details |
| Minimum online payment | Email address required; minimum online payment amount is $10. | Have email access before paying. | Online pay page |
| eCHECK maximum | Payment must be under $1,000 for eCHECK. | Large past-due balances may need another path. | eCHECK rule |
| Other online methods | Non-eCHECK method payment amount must be no higher than $300. | Split-payment questions should go to customer service. | Ask customer service |
Savannah Water Bill Late Fee and Shutoff Timeline
This is the most important section for anyone with a past-due Savannah utility bill.
| Bill stage | Approximate day | Fee / risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill mailed | Day 0 | No fee | Check cycle, bill date, due date, Account Number and Barcode. |
| Bill due | Day 20 | Payment due | Pay before the due date if possible. |
| Last day without penalty | Day 30 | No penalty yet | Pay today or contact billing before penalties start. |
| Late penalty + reminder notice | Day 31 | $5 or 10%, whichever is greater | Ask if the reminder notice has a final payment date. |
| Administrative processing fee | Day 38 | $50 | Call immediately; account is moving into shutoff processing. |
| Service shutoff period begins | Day 38 | Water service at risk | Pay delinquent balance and fees in full or ask what is required for service restoration. |
Bill Deadline Planner
Enter the bill date printed on your Savannah utility bill. This tool estimates the city’s normal due, penalty and shutoff-processing milestones.
Planning tool only. Use the due date printed on your actual bill or contact Utility Services for account-specific status.
Payment Arrangement Rules If You Cannot Pay the Full Bill
10% down
The city lists a minimum down payment of at least 10% of the past-due balance.
Payment arrangement page$100 monthly minimum
Arrangement payments must be at least $100 per month until the past-due balance is paid.
Arrangement termsRegular bills still due
You must keep paying new bi-monthly bills while paying the arrangement, or the account can be disconnected.
Read the warningCall script for a Savannah payment arrangement
High Savannah Water Bill Checklist
A Savannah “water bill” can include water, sewer, trash and recycling. Check usage and bill lines before assuming the total is wrong.
Toilet leak
- Remove tank lid.
- Flush and let tank refill.
- Add dye to tank.
- Wait at least 20 minutes.
- Color in bowl means leak.
Summer and sprinkler use
- Summer use can rise sharply.
- Sprinklers can use about 1,020 gallons per hour.
- Check irrigation timers.
- Look for broken sprinkler heads.
- Follow watering restrictions.
Bill and meter clues
- 1 water unit = 748 gallons.
- Bi-monthly bill covers about two months.
- Check service days at top of bill.
- Check usage history.
- Watch for estimated-bill message.
Leak Adjustment: What to Do Before Applying
Find and fix the leak
The city says leak adjustments can be requested once repairs are completed.
Leak adjustment pageCollect documentation
Keep plumber invoice, repair receipt, parts receipt, repair date, photos and notes showing what was fixed.
Adjustment instructionsSubmit the city form
Use the Water & Sewer Leak Adjustment Form linked from the official page.
Open form linkAsk about the due date
Submitting a request does not automatically erase a due date. Ask how to protect the account while the review is pending.
Contact customer serviceHow to Read a Savannah Utility Bill Without Getting Confused
| Bill area | What it tells you | Why it matters | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service period | Dates and number of service days included. | Base charges depend on the service period. | Bill guide |
| Cycle number | Your billing area/cycle. | Use it with the city billing schedule to estimate bill and due dates. | 2026 schedule PDF |
| Water units | Usage measured in HCF/units. | 1 unit equals about 748 gallons. | Meter explanation |
| Water + sewer + refuse | Utility bill is more than drinking water. | Trash/recycling and sewer can make the total look high. | What bill includes |
| Estimated bill message | “Unable to read meter, estimated based on prior usage.” | Clear meter access and ask for review if later readings show high usage estimate. | Estimated bills |
Start, Transfer or Disconnect Savannah Utility Service
New owner
Submit application, settlement statement or recorded deed, valid government ID, and pay any past-due balance in the owner’s name.
Set up serviceTenant
Submit application, valid ID, first page of lease, signature page of lease, and pay any past-due balance in the leaseholder’s name.
Tenant requirementsTransfer or disconnect
Use the application. Transfers require the current balance paid in full. Same-day service is not available; allow processing time.
Transfer/stop serviceHelp Paying a Savannah Water Bill
Low-income seniors
City page lists help for seniors 65+ with qualifying household income. Applications are handled through partner agencies, not directly by the city.
Senior discount programDisabled residents
The city page lists disabled residents ages 18–64 receiving SSI or SSDI as a category for assistance review through partner agencies.
Disabled resident helpFree toilet program
City water customers who own a home built before 1993 may be able to learn about a free water-saving toilet opportunity.
Water-saving toilet infoSavannah Outdoor Watering Rules That Can Affect Your Bill
No watering window
Outdoor irrigation is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Outdoor watering rulesEven-numbered properties
Even-numbered properties may water Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Even scheduleOdd-numbered properties
Odd-numbered properties may water Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. No watering on Fridays.
Odd scheduleUtility Services Office Map and Visit Plan
Use this location for in-person utility service questions, account help and payment issues: City of Savannah Utility Services, Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St., Savannah, GA 31401.
Bring
Utility bill, Account Number, Barcode, ID, payment method, lease/closing documents if starting service, and leak repair proof if applying for adjustment.
Ask
“Is my account current after this payment, and are any penalty, administrative fee or service order still pending?”
Drop box
The city lists an external drop box at the Coastal Georgia Center on the west side of the building, parking-lot side, for checks or money orders.
Official Savannah Utility Links
Savannah Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my Savannah water bill online?
Use the official City of Savannah utility payment portal at savannahga.gov/utilitypay. You need the Account Number and Barcode from the payment coupon of your bill.
What information do I need to pay online?
You need your Account Number, Barcode, email address and payment method. For eCHECK, you need checking or savings routing and account numbers including all zeros.
Is there a fee to pay a Savannah utility bill online?
The city says it pays the processing cost for eCHECK/ACH online utility payments to keep that option fee-free. Other listed online methods have a $3.85 convenience fee.
When is a Savannah utility bill due?
Utility bills are generally issued bi-monthly and payment is due within 20 days of the bill date. Use the due date printed on your bill for account-specific timing.
When does Savannah add a late penalty?
The city’s bill life cycle shows a late penalty and reminder notice around day 31. The penalty is $5 or 10%, whichever is greater.
When can a Savannah water account be shut off?
The city’s life cycle shows the $50 administrative processing fee and shutoff period beginning around day 38. Contact Utility Services before that stage if you cannot pay in full.
Can I get a payment arrangement for a past-due Savannah utility bill?
Yes, the city lists payment arrangements with at least 10% down and minimum $100 monthly payments. Regular bi-monthly bills must still be paid by their due dates.
What should I do if my Savannah water bill is unusually high?
Check toilets, faucets, irrigation, outdoor use, usage history and whether the bill was estimated. If you cannot explain the increase, contact Utility Services at 912-651-6460.
Can Savannah adjust my bill after a leak?
You may apply for a leak adjustment after repairs are completed and documentation is received and approved by the City of Savannah.
Who do I call for a water or sewer emergency in Savannah?
For water and sewer emergencies such as a broken water main in the public right-of-way, call 912-351-3434.