The City of Milwaukee Water Works provides water service to residents and businesses in Milwaukee. Paying your water bill on time each month is important to avoid late fees or disruption of service. The city offers various payment options for customer convenience including online by mail in-person, or over the phone. This guide outlines the different methods to pay your Milwaukee water bill.
Overview of Payment Options for Milwaukee Water Bills
The City of Milwaukee Water Works aims to make paying your water bill quick and easy through multiple channels:
- Online via the payment portal
- By phone through the automated system or agents
- Mail-in check or money order
- In-person at authorized locations
- AutoPay bank drafting
Most customers take advantage of the ease of online payments. However, the water utility understands preferences vary and provides alternative ways to pay.
No matter which method you choose, having your 10-digit account number handy speeds up the process.
Below we’ll explore the specifics of each payment method available.
Paying Online
The City of Milwaukee encourages customers to pay online for maximum convenience. Here are the steps:
- Go to Milwaukee.gov/Water
- Click on “Pay Water Bill Online”
- Enter your 10-digit account number and zip code
- Select payment amount and submit using your debit/credit card or bank account
- Review payment confirmation displaying new account balance
Online payments are processed instantly, so your balance is updated right away.
The online portal also allows you to
- View payment history
- Sign up for paperless billing
- Update account information
- Enroll in AutoPay
Online bill payment gives you complete control to manage your water account anytime.
Paying by Phone
In addition to web payments, the City of Milwaukee offers phone payment via an automated system or customer service agents.
To make a payment by phone:
- Call (414) 286-2830
- Select the “Pay Water Bill” option
- Enter your 10-digit account number
- Follow the prompts to complete payment using your debit/credit card
- Receive a confirmation number at the end
The automated phone payment line is available 24/7. Payments process immediately upon completion.
Paying by Mail
Mail-in payments are accepted if you prefer paying by check. Simply follow these instructions:
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Detach payment stub from your water bill
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Write account number on your check/money order payable to “City of Milwaukee Water Works”
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Mail to:
City of Milwaukee Water Works
PO Box 3268
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3268 -
Allow 7-10 business days for mailed payments to process
Mail your payment at least 7-10 days before the due date to ensure on-time delivery.
Authorized Walk-In Payment Locations
For customers who want to pay their water bill in-person, the City of Milwaukee provides payment services at local retailers across the city including:
- Pick ‘n Save stores
- Copps Food Center
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Amstar/BP Gas Stations
Refer to the In-Person Payment page on their website for a complete list of authorized pay agents.
When paying at a retail location, you’ll need to provide:
- Water account number
- Cash, check, or credit/debit card
- Valid ID
In-person payments allow you to handle your water bill while running other errands. Payment times vary by location.
Tips for Paying Your Water Bill On Time
Here are some tips for effectively managing payment of your City of Milwaukee water bill:
- Pay 3-5 days early each month to account for processing
- Sign up to receive due date reminders via email
- Contact the water utility immediately if you anticipate issues paying on time
- Consider enrolling in AutoPay to have payments drafted automatically
- Update payment method right away if your card number changes
- Carefully review each statement to identify any billing errors
- Keep contact info like phone and email current on your account
Developing consistent on-time payment habits prevents late fees and service disruptions.
Troubleshooting Water Bill Payment Issues
Despite your best efforts, occasional problems can arise when trying to pay your City of Milwaukee water bill. Refer to the tips below for resolving common payment issues:
Can’t log into online account – Use “Forgot Password” feature or call to reset credentials. Provide account verification details during process.
Error processing payment – Double check card number, expiration date, and CVV entered. Try a different card or payment method if needed.
Late payment fees – Contact the water utility immediately if payment will be late to request a one-time waiver of the late fee.
AutoPay issues – Confirm your selected payment source is open and valid. Update card or bank account on file for automatic payments.
Unexpected charges – Reach out to customer service if you receive any unclear or duplicate charges on your water bill for investigation.
Water shutoff – If your service was discontinued for non-payment, contact the water utility right away to discuss payment arrangement options and reconnection of service.
The customer service team can help resolve any payment difficulties. Contact them promptly for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Water Bills
We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about paying water bills in Milwaukee below:
What is the customer service number to call about my water bill?
You can reach the City of Milwaukee Water Works customer service department at (414) 286-2830 from 7AM to 5PM weekdays.
What local stores or businesses can I pay my water bill at?
Authorized in-person pay locations include Pick ‘n Save, Copps Food Center, Walgreens, Walmart, Amstar gas stations, and more.
When is my water bill due each month?
Water bills have various due dates throughout the month depending on your meter reading cycle. Check your specific due date printed on each monthly statement.
Are there any fees for paying late?
Yes, the City of Milwaukee Water Works charges a 1% late fee on any overdue balance not paid by the due date. Pay on time to avoid penalties.
What is the mailing address to send my water bill payment to?
City of Milwaukee Water Works
PO Box 3268
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3268
What are my payment history and balance?
You can check your water account balance and payment history anytime by logging into your online account or calling customer service.
Can I pay by credit/debit card?
Yes, you can use your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card to pay your water bill online, by phone, or at most in-person locations.
Paying Your Water Bill with the City of Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee Water Works provides various payment options including online, phone, mail, in-person, and autopay to allow easy and timely payment of your water bill each month.
Use this guide to understand the flexible payment methods available and establish good payment habits to avoid late fees or service interruptions going forward. Contact customer support if any issues come up with paying your water bill.
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