How to pay American Water online, by phone, or by mail

American Water Company operates water and wastewater systems across multiple states. To pay your bill, you can use their online portal, call their payment line, mail a check, or set up automatic payments from your bank account. The fastest method is online through their website — you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.

Each payment method takes a different amount of time to post to your account. Online payments typically show within one to two business days. Phone payments process the same way. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days, depending on mail delivery and processing time at their office. Automatic payments (also called autopay) deduct money on a date you choose each month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay American Water online at their website, by phone at their customer service number, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers.
  • Online and phone payments post within one to two business days; mailed checks take seven to ten business days.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except automatic payments set up in advance.
  • Automatic payments remove the need to remember due dates and can help you avoid late fees if set up before the due date on your bill.
  • If you pay by mail, send your check at least ten days before the due date to may support it arrives on time.

Paying online through American Water's website

Visit the American Water website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your ZIP code or the last four digits of your phone number to locate your account. Once you've found your account, you can enter the amount you want to pay.

The website accepts payments from a checking or savings account (ACH transfer) or from a debit or credit card. ACH transfers are free. Card payments usually include a small fee — the exact amount depends on which card type you use and whether American Water charges a processing fee in your state. Before you confirm the payment, the website will show you the fee amount and the date the payment will post.

After you submit the payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. If you need to check on the payment later, you can log into your account and view your payment history.

Paying by phone

Call American Water's customer service number, which is printed on your bill. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. They will also ask whether you want to pay from a bank account or a card. Phone payments work the same way as online payments — bank account transfers are free, and card payments may have a fee.

The representative will give you a confirmation number before you hang up. Keep this number in case you need to reference the payment later. Phone payments post on the same timeline as online payments: one to two business days.

Setting up automatic payments from your bank

Automatic payments deduct money from your checking account on a date you choose each month, usually around the same time your bill is due. To set this up, log into your American Water account online and look for the autopay or automatic payment option. You'll enter your bank account number and routing number, which you can find at the bottom of a check or in your bank's online portal.

Once autopay is active, you won't have to remember to pay each month. The payment will post automatically, and you'll receive a confirmation email or notice. If your bill amount changes from month to month (which is common for water bills), the payment will still go through for the amount you set, so you may need to adjust it occasionally or switch to a variable autopay option if American Water offers one.

You can pause or cancel autopay at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If you cancel, make sure you have another payment method ready so your bill doesn't fall behind.

Paying by mail with a check

Write a check for the amount due and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is usually different from the customer service address, so use the one labeled "Payment Address" or "Mail Payments To." Include your bill stub or a note with your account number so the payment gets credited to the right account.

Mail your check at least ten days before the due date. The postal service typically takes three to five business days for delivery, and American Water's office may take another few days to process and post the payment. If you mail it too close to the due date, it may not arrive in time, and you could be charged a late fee.

If you want to track whether your check arrived, you can log into your online account a week after mailing it and check your payment history. If it hasn't posted after ten business days, contact customer service with the check number and amount.

What to do if you can't pay the full amount

If your bill is due and you can't pay it in full, contact American Water's customer service before the due date. Many water companies offer payment plans that let you split the bill into smaller payments over a few months. The terms vary by state and by your account history, so ask what options are available in your area.

Paying part of the bill on time is better than paying nothing, because it shows good faith and may help you avoid a late fee or service interruption. Some states have rules that prevent water shutoffs during winter months or for households with children, so ask about those protections if you're in a difficult situation.

Late payments and reconnection fees

If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date on your bill, American Water will charge a late fee. The amount varies by state and by how far past the due date the payment is. After a certain number of days past due (usually 30 to 60), the company may shut off your water service and charge a reconnection fee when you pay.

Reconnection fees are separate from late fees and can be substantial — often $50 to $200 or more depending on your state. To avoid this, pay as soon as you can if you've missed a due date. If you've already been shut off, contact customer service to ask about payment plans or hardship programs that might reduce or waive the reconnection fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my account number?

Your account number appears on your bill, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Account Number" or "Service Account Number." It's also the number you'll use to log into your online account or when you call to make a payment.

Is there a fee to pay online?

Paying from a checking or savings account (ACH) is free. Paying with a debit or credit card usually includes a processing fee of $1 to $3, depending on the card type and your state. The website will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.

How long does it take for a payment to show up?

Online and phone payments post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days from the time you mail them. Automatic payments post on the date you set them up for each month.

Can I set up autopay if my bill amount changes every month?

Yes. You can set up autopay for a fixed amount each month, or some areas offer variable autopay that adjusts to your actual bill. Check your online account to see which options American Water offers in your state.

What happens if I miss a payment?

You'll be charged a late fee. If the bill stays unpaid for 30 to 60 days (depending on your state), American Water may shut off your water service and charge a reconnection fee when you pay. Contact customer service right away if you've missed a payment to discuss a payment plan.