How to Pay Your Chicago Water Bill: A Guide to Billing, Payment Options, and More

Keeping on top of your Chicago water bill ensures continued service, avoids late fees, and maintains a positive payment history. This guide provides everything you need to know about paying your Chicago water bill conveniently and on time.

Overview of Chicago Water Billing

The City of Chicago Department of Finance handles water and sewer billing for city residents and businesses. Here’s an overview of how billing works:

• Bills are issued monthly and are based on metered water usage.

• Accounts are billed after the meter is read each month. Bills average $60-$100 for residential customers.

• Sewer charges are tied to water use since most water ends up as wastewater

• Utility taxes and other fees are itemized on each bill. Late fees apply if not paid on time.

• Bills can be mailed monthly or accessed online through a paperless billing account.

• Customers can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at payment locations around the city.

Setting Up Your Chicago Water Billing Account

To access your account online or make payments, you’ll first need to set up your billing account with the city:

• New customers can set up accounts online or by phone once service begins.

• Existing customers can connect accounts to an online profile using their 10-digit account number printed on bills.

• You’ll need to verify your identity by providing personal details like date of birth and home address.

• Online accounts enable paperless billing, autopay enrollment, payment plans, and more.

Understanding Your Chicago Water Bill

Chicago water bills have a standard layout so you know what you’re paying for:

• Account summary – Customer name, address, account number, billing period.

• Previous balance – Any past due amount carried over.

• Current water charges – Based on consumption for the billing period.

• Sewer charges – Tied to water use.

• Taxes & fees – Utility user tax, infrastructure renewal fees, etc.

• Current charges – Sum of all fees and taxes for period.

• Total amount due – Previous balance plus current charges.

• Due date – Payment is due 21 days from the bill date.

When to Pay Your Chicago Water Bill

• Water bills are issued monthly and are due 21 days from the bill date.

• The due date is printed clearly on each bill. Late fees apply if paid after the due date.

• For the most timely delivery of your bill, set up paperless billing through your online account.

• If you don’t receive a bill, you are still responsible for payment. Call the city for your balance if a bill is missing.

• Pay promptly each month to avoid penalties and maintain positive payment history.

How to Pay Your Chicago Water Bill

Chicago offers many options for convenient bill payment:

• Online – Pay through your billing account portal anytime.

• By phone – Call the city’s self-service payment line 24/7.

• By mail – Send a check or money order to the payment address printed on the bill.

• In person – Pay at hundreds of retail locations around Chicago.

• Auto-pay – Set up recurring payments from a bank account.

• Account credits – Overpayments create credits that reduce future bills.

Online Bill Pay

Paying at your online account portal is quick and easy:

• Log into your account and select Pay Bill.

• Choose a payment amount – current, previous, or future charges.

• Enter payment details and submit.

• Payment posts instantly and receipt is emailed.

Pay by Phone

Call the city’s toll-free self-service number and follow prompts:

• Dial 1-844-PAY-CITY (1-844-729-2489).

• Enter your 10-digit account number and exact balance due.

• Choose a payment method – credit/debit card or electronic check.

• Payment processes automatically and receipt is mailed.

Pay by Mail

To pay by mail, follow these steps:

• Write your 10-digit account number on the check or money order.

• Make it payable to “City of Chicago.”

• Write out the payment amount to match your balance due exactly.

• Mail to the address printed on your bill at least 5 business days before the due date.

Pay in Person

The city has partnered with retail chains across Chicago to accept in-person payments.

• Bring your water bill so the clerk can scan your account barcode or enter the number.

• Pay with cash, credit/debit card, or money order.

• Get receipt confirming payment.

Financial Assistance for Chicago Water Bills

If you’re struggling to pay your water bill, the city offers programs to help:

• Payment plans – Set up monthly payments for large past-due balances.

• Payment assistance – Low-income residents can get help through the Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program.

• Seniors assistance – Reduced rates and meter changes to control costs for seniors 65+.

• Non-profit assistance – Discounts for qualifying non-profits and affordable housing providers.

Contact the Department of Finance to learn more about bill assistance programs.

Avoid Late Fees and Services Disruptions

Paying Chicago water bills on time every month avoids penalties and ensures uninterrupted service:

• Late fees accrue if a bill isn’t paid after the due date. This also negatively affects your payment history.

• If a past-due balance remains unpaid for multiple billing cycles, the city can shut off water service.

• Shutoffs due to non-payment incur a $500 reconnection fee when service resumes.

Avoid headaches by paying on time, enrolling in autopay, and staying on top of your Chicago water billing account. Prompt payment saves money while ensuring your household keeps flowing.