Due to health and safety concerns about COVID-19 coronavirus, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) will not shut off water service to customers who fall behind on payments. The suspension of water shutoffs for nonpayment of bills will last around two months –through May 15.
In addition, the WRB has halted all penalties and late fees for water bills until further notice.
These temporary measures affect both Philadelphia residential and commercial water customers. The City of Philadelphia will continue to review this decision with guidance from the Department of Health.
The City suspends water service shutoffs for residential customers between December 1 and March 31 every year. During the current emergency, this normal “moratorium” period will continue beyond March 31, 2020.
This measure does not stop water billing or change your payment due date. Unpaid water bills will continue to increase your balance. The City encourages all water customers to pay their bills in full and on time. You can pay:
- Online: phila.gov/waterbill
- Over the telephone, by calling (877) 309-3709
- Or mail, by sending a check payable to “City of Philadelphia” to:
Water Revenue Bureau
P.O. Box 41496
Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496
PWD has assured customers that COVID-19 coronavirus will not impact the safety of the city’s water supply. Philadelphia’s drinking water is high-quality and safe to drink.
Have questions about your water account? Please visit www.phila.gov/water-bill-help. You can also visit www.phila.gov/water for questions about water service.
The Health Department maintains a website on COVID-19 coronavirus. It is updated regularly with guidance, recommendations and resources. You can learn more about the coronavirus and how to keep yourself and others safe.
