How to pay American Water

American Water operates in 14 states and serves roughly 3.4 million customers. The fastest way to pay is through their online portal at amwater.com — you can log in with your account number and pay in minutes using a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the website, you can call their automated phone line, mail a check, or pay in person at an authorized payment location.

The method you choose depends on when you need the payment to post and whether you want a record of the transaction. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take longer — usually 7 to 10 business days from the date you mail them — so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at amwater.com, by phone at 1-800-WATER-NOW (1-800-928-3766), or by mailing a check to the address on your bill.
  • Online and phone payments post within one business day; mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days, so mail early if your due date is close.
  • You will need your account number, which appears on your bill or in your online account, to pay by phone or online.
  • American Water does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account, but some payment methods may carry a small fee.

Paying online through your American Water account

Go to amwater.com and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. If you have already created an online account, log in with your username and password. If not, you will need to register first — this takes about five minutes and requires your account number, which is printed on your bill.

Once logged in, your current balance and due date will appear on the screen. Select the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a recurring payment). Choose your payment method: bank account, debit card, or credit card. Bank account payments are free; debit and credit card payments may include a processing fee, which the system will show you before you confirm.

Review the payment details and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. The payment will post to your account within one business day, though it may take longer to appear on your bill if you pay after 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Paying by phone

Call American Water's automated payment line at 1-800-WATER-NOW (1-800-928-3766). You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then guide you through selecting the payment amount and payment method.

Phone payments post within one business day. If you call after hours, your payment will be processed the next business day. Keep the confirmation number the system provides — it is your record of the transaction.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call the same number during business hours (usually 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, though hours vary by state). A representative can process your payment over the phone and answer questions about your account.

Paying by mail

Write a check payable to American Water and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is specific to your local water company and region. Do not send cash.

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post after American Water receives them, plus the time for mail delivery. If your due date is within two weeks, paying by mail is risky — use online or phone payment instead. Include only the check; do not send cash or other items in the envelope.

If you want proof that your payment arrived, send the check by certified mail with return receipt requested. This costs a few dollars extra but gives you a dated record.

In-person payment locations

Some American Water regions allow you to pay in person at authorized payment centers. These are usually located at utility offices, grocery stores, or check-cashing services. Payment methods and locations vary by region, so call 1-800-WATER-NOW to find out whether your area has in-person payment options and where they are located.

In-person payments typically post the same day or the next business day. Bring your account number and a form of payment accepted at that location — usually cash, check, or debit card.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want your bill paid on the same day each month without having to remember, you can set up automatic payments through your online account. Log in at amwater.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment." Choose the amount (full balance or a fixed amount), the payment method, and the day of the month you want the payment to go out.

Automatic payments are free when you use a bank account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. American Water will send you a reminder email before each automatic payment is processed.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you will miss your due date, contact American Water before the due date passes. Call 1-800-WATER-NOW and ask about payment arrangements or hardship programs. Many regions offer short-term extensions or payment plans that let you spread the balance over several months without a late fee.

If your bill goes unpaid, American Water will typically send a late notice. Continued non-payment can result in service disconnection, though most regions require advance notice and an opportunity to pay before shutting off water. The sooner you contact them, the more options you will have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my American Water bill online?

No fee if you pay from a bank account. Debit and credit card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which varies by region and payment method. The system shows you the fee before you confirm the payment.

How do I find my account number?

Your account number is printed on your bill, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Account Number." It is also visible in your online account if you have registered at amwater.com.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?

Online payments post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment does not appear, log back into your account to confirm the payment went through — you should see a confirmation number. If the payment is missing, call 1-800-WATER-NOW with your confirmation number and they can trace it.

Can I pay someone else's American Water bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number. The payment will be applied to their account. Some regions may require written authorization from the account holder for security reasons.

What happens if I overpay?

The overpayment will appear as a credit on your next bill. You can use the credit toward future bills, or contact American Water to request a refund check if you prefer.