We Care

More ways to help with your water bill.

Grants Available!  Our partners offer grants for eligible customers to help with utility costs. Learn more and apply →

Philadelphia Water Department City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue, Water Revenue Bureau

Join us April 26 at our in-person Utility & Resource Fair! Learn more and register →

Help is available

But don’t wait to apply for assistance.

Submit your application.
We’ll determine which program offers you the lowest bill.

Find out if you’re eligible:
→ phila.gov/waterbillhelp

Some customers may be auto-enrolled in the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP). Those customers will receive a letter from PWD.

EASIER APPLICATION

No scanner? No problem!

Use your phone to snap a clear picture of any required documentation.

smart phone with camera icon
A PWD Customer Service Representative is shown from the waist up, wearing a plum-colored cardigan over a light floral blouse, with a headset PWD lanyard, and calm, understanding facial expression.

Lost your job?
Other difficulties?

You may qualify for a Special Hardship exemption

Even if your household income is higher than Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) limits, you may still be eligible by showing that you are experiencing circumstances like:

  • Loss of a job
  • Serious illness
  • Change in household
  • Loss of family member
  • Domestic violence

Reduced Income? Submit a new application for any recent change in your household or income!

EASIER APPLICATION

One form for all assistance programs.

Apply with a Special Hardship Claim using “Attachment C” of our Customer Assistance Application.

Don’t forget! The documentation you attach to your application must show a date from the past 12 months!

→ Start or request an application now

At risk for a water shutoff?

We have protections in place for vulnerable residents like:

  • seniors (65 years or older)
  • people with a disability or serious illness
  • people living with a child under 18 years of age.

If you or someone in your home meets any of these criteria, contact us to prevent a shutoff or restore your water service.

→ Learn more about shutoff protections

Our trusted City partners may text, call, email or visit customers at risk of shutoff.

They can help review your options and point you to resources. But they will never ask for your payment information.

A PWD Customer Service representative is shown seated on a stool at a small desk with a laptop on it. She is wearing jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt, black hijab, headset, and blue PWD lanyard. She has a knowing look on her face as she points to the text, "Your account balance will still grow with every unpaid bill."
Your account balance will still grow with every unpaid bill.

Pay your water bill, if you can

It keeps your balance from growing, and it’s the easiest way to avoid shutoffs and late payment penalties.

Bill payments fund all our operations and keep clean water flowing throughout our city.

→ phila.gov/waterbill

You can also pay by mail or over the phone.

Pay online with MyPhillyWaterBill

Free of charge with a checking or savings account.

Fees apply for credit or debit card payments.

Tips:

  1. You’ll need your 9-digit access code from your water bill.
  2. Write down your credentials. (See bottom for quick reference card to print!)
A PWD Customer Service Representative holds up a card with a heart on it, shaded with 3 shades of blue like the PWD logo. He is wearing a blue PWD polo and a headset, and has warm brown skin and dark, close cropped hair and a short beard.

Other options for help

Payment
Agreements

Can’t afford the full amount, or have a large bill? Setting up a Payment Agreement can help you avoid a lien, and make your monthly payment more managable.

→ Call (215) 685-6300

Don’t qualify for assistance?

We’re working with customers on an individual basis. Be prepared for longer wait times.

Email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov, and we’ll do our best to find a solution.

Working together to reduce debt

Cash grants for unpaid bills

Our partners are helping customers with unpaid utility bills, including water bills! Don’t delay; funds are limited!

Water customers: Contact UESF (Utilities Emergency Service Funds)
Fill out their Contact Form at → uesfacts.org or → Call (215) 814-6837

UESF can help you apply for assistance after they check your grant eligibility.

Debt Forgiveness

Debt Forgiveness helps customers enrolled in the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) clear the debt* on their accounts. Make 24 payments on your TAP bill to work toward debt forgiveness.

* Forgiveness applies only to the debt accrued before the customer’s first enrollment in TAP.

Sign up for our emails.

Get tips and hints to help you apply, lower your water bills, and more.

For Translation  Call (215) 685-6300

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All photography: Sahar Coston-Hardy © PWD