Baltimore County residents connected to the public water system receive their water usage bills from Baltimore City, not Baltimore County Government. Baltimore City handles metering, billing, and collection for water consumption across much of the County. Baltimore County separately bills annual sewer service charges and water distribution fees, which appear on your July 1 property tax bill.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on water billing responsibility, visit the official Baltimore County Pay page at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/pay-bill. This page clearly states that Baltimore City manages water service for County residents and provides the direct link to their payment system.
- To look up your account, view your bill, or make a payment immediately, use Baltimore City’s secure Online Payments and Account Lookup portal at https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/water/. Enter your service address exactly as it appears on your bill (use standard abbreviations like St, Dr, etc.). These official resources give you direct access to one-time guest payments, account management, and all current payment options.
One-Time Guest Pay & Quick Online Payments (Recommended)
Baltimore City’s payment portal supports one-time guest payments without requiring full account registration. This is the fastest way for most users to pay their water bill.
How to pay online:
- Go to https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/water/ and enter your service address.
- View your current balance and due date.
- Select one-time payment (guest option) or create/login to your account for recurring features.
- Pay securely with credit/debit card or eCheck/ACH.
Additional online features:
- Set up AutoPay through the Customer Payment Portal for automatic payments on the due date using credit card, debit card, or bank draft.
- Monitor usage, view billing history, and manage multiple accounts after registration.
- Payments are processed securely through the City’s partnered system (Paymentus).
Important notes: Allow sufficient time for processing. Payments must be received by the due date on your bill to avoid late fees (typically 1.64% or as stated on the bill). The portal works for both Baltimore City and Baltimore County water customers.
Pay by Phone
Call the automated payment line: 866-377-0765. Have your account number or service address ready. Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards and eCheck. This 24/7 option is convenient for quick payments when online access is unavailable.
Pay In Person
Primary location: Abel Wolman Municipal Building 200 Holliday Street (North Holliday Street) Baltimore, MD 21202
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Bureau of Revenue Collections lobby).
DPW Customer Support & Services is also available in Room 8 on the first floor during similar business hours for billing questions and assistance.
Additional retail options: Pay in cash at participating Walmart locations and other businesses that accept Moneygram (convenience fees may apply).
Pay by Mail
Make checks or money orders payable to “Director of Finance – Baltimore City”. Include your account number on the check and mail with the payment stub to the address printed on your bill, or use:
City of Baltimore Bureau of Revenue Collections P.O. Box 17535 Baltimore, MD 21297-1535
Allow extra mailing time. Do not send cash.
Baltimore County Sewer Service & Water Distribution Charges
These are separate annual charges billed on your July 1 property tax bill (not part of the quarterly City water usage bill):
- Sewer Service Charge: Based on prior year water consumption (reported by Baltimore City) or plumbing fixtures for well users.
- Water Distribution Charge: Flat fee based on meter size.
How to pay: These charges are paid as part of your Baltimore County real or personal property taxes through the County’s online tax payment system at https://mytax.baltimorecountymd.gov/ or by searching/paying at the County taxpayer services portal.
For questions about these County-specific charges (adjustments, pool credits, etc.), contact Metro District Financing & Petitions at 410-887-2423 or email [email protected]. Mail or submit forms to: 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Room 324, Towson, MD 21204.
If You Have Questions or Need Assistance
Baltimore City Water Billing Customer Support (for usage bills):
- Phone: 410-396-5398
- Email: [email protected]
- In-person: Room 8, Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Emergency water issues: Call 311.
Financial assistance & payment plans: Baltimore City offers programs for qualifying customers, including payment plans for delinquent accounts and affordability assistance. Visit the City’s water bill assistance pages or call 410-396-5398. Baltimore County residents on City water may also qualify.
Scam warning: City staff will never ask for your banking details over the phone. Verify any suspicious calls by calling 410-396-5398 directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my Baltimore County water bill online?
Use Baltimore City’s official portal at https://pay.baltimorecity.gov/water/. Enter your service address to look up your account and make a one-time guest payment or register for full account access and AutoPay.
Can I make a one-time payment without creating an account?
Yes. The City portal supports responsive one-time (guest) payments. Simply enter your service address on the lookup page and proceed to pay without full registration.
Where do I mail my Baltimore City water bill payment?
Mail checks payable to “Director of Finance – Baltimore City” to the address on your bill or to: City of Baltimore, Bureau of Revenue Collections, P.O. Box 17535, Baltimore, MD 21297-1535.
Can I pay my water bill in person in Baltimore County?
In-person payments for City water bills are accepted at the Abel Wolman Municipal Building (200 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202), Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some Walmart and Moneygram locations also accept payments (fees may apply).
What are the Baltimore County sewer and water distribution charges?
These are annual flat or usage-based fees billed on your July 1 property tax bill and paid through the County tax system. They are separate from the quarterly City water usage bill.
How do I set up automatic payments for my water bill?
Register or log in at the Customer Payment Portal to enroll in AutoPay using credit/debit card or eCheck.
Who do I call if my water bill seems unusually high?
Contact Baltimore City Customer Support at 410-396-5398 or submit a question through the City’s water bill help resources. They can review usage and explain charges. Baltimore County residents receive 90-day billing cycles in some cases, which can affect bill amounts.
Are there payment plans or assistance programs available?
Yes. Baltimore City offers payment plans for delinquent accounts and various affordability programs. Call 410-396-5398 or visit the official City water bill assistance section for eligibility and applications.