Under certain circumstances, you can prevent or postpone your water from being shut off.
Apply for assistance
The City gives a 30-day window of protection from water shutoff to any customer who requests an application. You will also be protected from water shutoff while we process your application. If you requested this application because you were in danger of being shut off, make sure to submit your completed application within 30 days to avoid shut off. Your water will not be shut off while your application is being reviewed. Request an application for customer assistance.
Request a payment plan
We require a 25% downpayment for most residential agreements, and the agreement must be paid in 6–12 months. Some low-income applicants may qualify for a reduced down payment. For commercial agreements, customers must make a 50% down payment and the agreement must be paid in 3–6 months. Find out more about payment agreements.
Medical need
If you are sick and need water service for health reasons, the Water Revenue Bureau may delay the shutoff of your services for 30 days. To request a delay, you must call (215) 685-6300 or send a request to the Bureau that includes the following:
- A completed and signed Medical Certification Form; OR
- A letter that says:
- Having your water shut off will prevent you from getting better.
- You understand that your service will be shut off at the end of the delay period if you haven’t paid your entire bill or entered into a payment agreement by then.
- An official doctor’s note stating that you have a serious illness and how long it will take you to get better.
Sending your shutoff delay request:
You or your doctor should fax medical documentation to (215) 685-3777 or email them to MedicalDelay@phila.gov
You can also mail documentation to this address:
Water Revenue Bureau
P.O. Box 41496
Philadelphia, PA 19101-1496
Please note: Medical delay request documentation must be on file with us within five business days of the original request.
Landlord non-payment
If you received a shut off notice because your landlord has stopped making water payments, you must be given a chance to stop the shutoff under the Utility Service Tenants Rights Act (pdf). If your water has already been shut off because your landlord has stopped making water payments, your water can be restored. Call (215) 685-6300 for information on the Utility Service Tenants Rights Act process.
Raise Your Hand (Shutoff Exemption)
If your water service is at risk of shutoff due to unpaid balance, you can stop it if you meet certain qualifications. The City has taken steps to protect water customers through the Raise Your Hand initiative, which exempts vulnerable citizens from shutoffs until the end of 2023.
If a senior (65 years or older), person with disabilities, or child (under 18 years old), lives under your roof, your water will not be shut off. Although your balance may continue to increase if you don’t pay, you will be protected from shutoff.
If you meet these criteria, contact us at 215-685-6300 or by email at wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov to prevent a shutoff or restore your water service.
You may also visit us in person at one of our open customer offices:
- Center City, Municipal Services Building
Public Services Concourse
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Northeast Service Center
7522 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.