San Diego Water Utilities Quick Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a Bill
Use this page as a practical desk for City of San Diego water and wastewater customers. Pick the task, use the official route, prepare the right account details, and avoid mistakes with card fees, phone-payment scams, held bills, estimated reads, leak adjustments and sewer-rate timing.
Start Here: What Are You Trying to Do?
Searcher intent |
Best official action |
Have ready |
Critical detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online / log in |
Account number, service address, email, payment method. |
MyWaterSD lets customers view/pay bills, track water use, receive alerts and contact Public Utilities. |
|
Pay without confusion |
Account number and service address street number. |
City says it does not accept water/wastewater payments over the phone and will never call to request phone payment. |
|
Billing / account question |
Account number, service address, bill date, payment proof, issue summary. |
Customer Support hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5 PM, closed City holidays. |
|
Water leak, sewer spill, pressure problem |
Exact address, cross street, issue type, time started, photos if safe. |
This is the fastest route for leak, sewer spill and water pressure issues. |
|
Irrigation runoff / storm drain pollution |
Location, photos, runoff direction, drain/street details. |
Use this route for runoff and pollution, not normal water billing. |
|
Start water/wastewater service |
Name, DOB, service address, mailing address, phone, email, start date, ID. |
New account setup can take up to 10 business days; water remains on while request is processed. |
|
Stop service / final bill |
Account number, service address, stop date, phone, email, forwarding address. |
Request can be submitted up to 30 days ahead and may take up to 7 business days to process. |
|
Payment plan |
Account number, account holder name, address, phone, email. |
Outstanding balance can be spread up to 36 months with no interest. |
Phone-payment warning: The City says it does not accept water/wastewater payments over the phone and will never contact you to request a phone payment. Use MyWaterSD, automatic deduction, mail, City Treasurer, or listed payment locations.
Official San Diego Water Utility Contact Box
Water/Wastewater Customer Support
Phone: 619-515-3500
Email: customercare@sandiego.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5 PM, closed City holidays.
Water / Sewer / Pressure Reports
Call: 619-515-3525
Use for water leaks, sewer spills and water pressure issues.
Storm drain pollution/runoff: Get It Done or 619-235-1000.
Walk-In Payment Office
Office of the City Treasurer
1200 Third Ave., Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-6112
Limited lobby hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 AM-3 PM on the Treasurer payments page.
Official route |
Use for |
Phone / link |
|---|---|---|
MyWaterSD |
View/pay bills, track water use, alerts, notifications, saved payment methods, usage history. |
|
Public Utilities Customer Support |
Billing, payment plan, start/stop service, leak adjustment, meter read review, account update. |
|
Emergency leak/sewer/pressure line |
Water leak, sewer spill, pressure problem, possible meter leak on City side. |
|
Storm drain pollution / irrigation runoff |
Runoff, pollution, drainage issue and Get It Done reporting. |
|
Payment by mail / automatic deduction mail |
Mail payment, automatic payment form. |
P.O. Box 129020, San Diego, CA 92112-9020 |
Trash / recycling / containers |
City-serviced trash schedule, container changes, missed collection, HHW appointments. |
City utility scale: San Diego Public Utilities reports clean drinking water service to 1.4 million residents and wastewater service to more than 2.3 million customers, with nine reservoirs, three water treatment plants, three wastewater treatment plants, 131 pump stations and over 6,300 miles of pipelines.
Bill Pay and Login: San Diego Rules That Matter
Online
Use MyWaterSD. You need account number and service address street number for payment.
No phone payment
City does not accept water/wastewater payments over the phone.
Card fee
Residential credit/debit fee: 1.59% or $1.50, whichever is greater. Commercial: 2.25%.
Auto deduction
Withdraws from checking account 15 days after billing statement is issued.
Payment method |
Official detail |
Best for |
Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
MyWaterSD online |
Pay online with account number and service address street number. |
Fast online payment and account access. |
Do not enter card details on ad or unofficial payment pages. |
MyWaterSD registered account |
Register with account number, service address and email address. |
Viewing current/past bills, usage, alerts, recurring payments. |
Registration automatically switches the account to paperless billing; you can change it after login. |
Credit/debit online |
Residential fee is 1.59% or $1.50, whichever is greater; commercial fee is 2.25%. |
Convenience when card fee is acceptable. |
Card statement may show SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS with date and phone descriptor. |
Automatic Deduction |
Payments withdrawn automatically from checking account 15 days after statement is issued. |
Customers who want bank draft without card fee. |
Mail form to P.O. Box 129020 and allow 10 business days to process. |
Mail |
City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, Customer Support Division, P.O. Box 129020, San Diego, CA 92112-9020. |
Routine payment with enough time. |
Include bill stub; if paying before bill arrives, write account number on memo line. |
City Treasurer walk-in |
1200 Third Ave., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101. |
In-person payment. |
Verify limited lobby hours before visiting; unrolled coins over 50 are not accepted. |
Payment centers |
Official payment locations include select Walmart and neighborhood stores across San Diego County. |
In-person payment near your area. |
Use only the City’s official payment locations page/map. |
Held bill warning: San Diego may hold bills that show unusual usage, such as meter misread, unusually low/zero usage or unusually high usage. Once reviewed, the bill is sent. If multiple bills arrive at once, request a payment plan instead of ignoring them.
Official payment links:
MyWaterSD Login, Registration and Fixes
Register
- Open MyWaterSD.
- Select register / new account.
- Enter account number.
- Enter service address.
- Enter email address.
- Check email activation link.
Login problem
- Check spam/junk folder for activation email.
- Use only the most recent activation link.
- If not logged in for a year or more, re-registration may be needed.
- Call 619-515-3500 during support hours.
Portal features
- View current and past bills.
- Make payments before or after login.
- Set up autopay.
- Manage paper/paperless billing.
- View usage history.
Auto Pay note: MyWaterSD posted a credit/debit card Auto Pay re-enrollment notice for card users. Because portal notices can change, always read the message on the login screen before assuming Auto Pay is still active.
Start, Stop or Update Water/Wastewater Service
Start service
- Primary account holder name.
- Date of birth.
- Service address.
- Mailing address if different.
- Phone and email.
- Start date.
- Government-issued ID for account holder and secondary contact if applicable.
- Prior City of San Diego service address if applicable.
Stop service
- Primary account holder name.
- Account number if known.
- Service address.
- Phone and email.
- Date to stop service.
- Forwarding address for final bill or correspondence.
- Submit up to 30 days before move-out.
- Processing can take up to 7 business days.
Special account rules
- Multi-family property with one meter must be in owner’s name.
- Trust account can be used if the Trust has an EIN.
- Property management company can be named only if it owns the property.
- New account setup can take up to 10 business days.
Water Leak, Sewer Spill, Pressure Problem or Storm Drain Pollution
Water leak
Call 619-515-3525. Give exact location, meter box/street/property side and whether water is flowing.
Sewer spill
Call 619-515-3525. Avoid contact, stop using water if fixtures back up and keep children/pets away.
Pressure issue
Call 619-515-3525. Say whether all fixtures or only one fixture is affected.
Runoff / pollution
Use Get It Done or call 619-235-1000.
Issue |
Tell the City this |
Useful official distinction |
|---|---|---|
Standing water in meter box |
“There is standing water in the meter box at [address]. Flow is [constant/intermittent].” |
Constant flow may be a meter leak; intermittent flow may come from irrigation runoff or construction nearby. |
Leak on property owner side |
“Leak appears on private property side of the meter.” |
City says owner-side meter leaks are property owner responsibility and may require a certified plumber. |
Leak on City side |
“Leak appears on City side of the meter / street side.” |
City says City-side meter leak is repaired by City crew; call 619-515-3525. |
No water / low pressure |
“All taps / some taps are affected at [address]. Neighbors [are/are not] affected.” |
Helps separate private plumbing from area pressure issue. |
Sewer spill / backup |
“Wastewater is backing up/spilling at [location]. It started [time].” |
Emergency line is different from billing Customer Support. |
Irrigation runoff |
“Runoff is entering street/storm drain at [location].” |
Use Get It Done or 619-235-1000, not the billing line. |
Held Bill, Several Bills at Once, Payment Plan or Leak Adjustment
Held bill
The billing system can hold bills for unusual usage, low/zero usage or high usage so staff can review accuracy.
Payment plan
Outstanding balance can be divided into fixed monthly payments for up to 36 months with no interest.
Leak adjustment
Only non-irrigation concealed pipe leaks qualify. Irrigation, pools and plumbing fixtures do not qualify for timely bills.
Problem |
Official rule / fact |
What to do next |
|---|---|---|
Several bills arrived together |
You can request an installment plan with no penalty or interest charged. |
Request plan before balance becomes harder to manage. |
Payment plan length |
Monthly accounts: 36 billing periods. Bi-monthly accounts: 18 billing periods. All plans: maximum 36 months. |
Ask what your account billing cycle is before estimating installments. |
Minimum payment plan amount |
Plan payments cannot be less than $25 for monthly billing and $50 for bi-monthly billing. |
Budget both current bill and “Deferred Due.” |
Moving with a payment plan |
Balance can transfer to another City-served address if you open a new City utility account. |
Ask before closing account if you are moving within San Diego service area. |
Leak adjustment deadline |
Requests must be received within 120 days of first high bill related to concealed pipe leak. |
Submit account holder name, service address, phone, email, discovery date, repair date and repair invoice/receipt. |
Leak adjustment timing |
Review generally takes six to eight weeks; the page also says team review notification can take eight to ten weeks. |
Keep paying current charges or ask about payment plan while review is pending. |
Residential shutoff status |
City policy page says Public Utilities does not currently discontinue residential water service for nonpayment while practice is under review. |
Still call if you receive a notice; policy can change and unpaid balances remain due. |
Read Your San Diego Water Bill and Meter
HCF billing
San Diego measures water in hundred cubic feet. 1 HCF = 748.05 gallons for water billing rates.
Statement visibility
When a bill generates, the dollar amount shows immediately in MyWaterSD. Full billing statement is available online 24 hours later.
Estimated read
If staff cannot access or read the meter, the bill may estimate usage based on prior usage. Upload a meter photo for review if accessible.
Bill / meter question |
Answer |
User action |
|---|---|---|
Why was my bill held? |
Possible meter misread, zero/low usage, high usage or property change such as household size, irrigation or vacancy. |
Wait for City review notice or call 619-515-3500 with account number. |
Can I pay before bill arrives? |
Yes. You can pay online, at payment center, or mail check payable to City Treasurer and write account number on memo line. |
Save proof and verify credit after bill issues. |
What if service address on bill is wrong? |
City says service address is where the meter is located and cannot be changed. |
Update mailing/contact info separately if needed. |
Can I get refund? |
Refunds typically take seven to ten business days to process. |
Call with account number and overpayment details. |
Can I request meter re-read? |
Yes. Use service request or call Customer Support. The City cannot schedule appointments for meter reread; staff leaves door hanger. |
Submit photo of current meter read if safely accessible. |
Can I prevent misreads? |
Keep meter accessible and report damaged/unreadable meter conditions. |
Use Other Service Requests for meter review, damage, access or locating help. |
2026 Water and Sewer Rates: What Users Actually Search For
Water effective date
Water rates effective January 1, 2026.
Sewer effective date
Sewer rates effective January 1, 2026.
Sewer recalculation
Single-family sewer rate uses winter monitoring and updates with the bill that includes July 1.
2026 charge / class |
Current official rate |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Single-family water base fee |
$35.53 monthly base fee for typical 3/4-inch meter. |
Base charge appears even before usage tiers. |
Single-family water tier 1 |
0-10 HCF: $8.51 per HCF. |
First block of household water usage. |
Single-family water tier 2 |
11-22 HCF: $9.50 per HCF. |
Outdoor use or larger household can move usage into this tier. |
Single-family water tier 3 |
Each HCF after initial 22 HCF: $11.89 per HCF. |
Leaks or irrigation can become expensive quickly. |
Multi-family domestic water |
$9.96 per HCF plus meter base fee. |
Different from single-family tiered structure. |
Commercial / industrial water |
$9.36 per HCF plus meter base fee. |
Business accounts should not use residential math. |
Temporary construction water |
$10.88 per HCF plus meter base fee. |
Useful for builders and temporary meters. |
Irrigation water |
$10.55 per HCF plus meter base fee. |
Outdoor meters are billed differently. |
Single-family sewer base fee |
$22.56 base sewer fee for two months. |
Sewer bills can include fixed and usage-related pieces. |
Single-family sewer rate |
$5.92 per HCF. |
Rate uses winter monitoring / sewer cap context. |
New single-family sewer customer fee |
$129.12 base + sewer. |
Applies when winter usage history is not established at current residence. |
Single-family sewer maximum |
$259.36, capped at 20 HCF/month. |
Useful when high water usage makes sewer look too high. |
HCF conversion: Water rates page uses 1 HCF = 748.05 gallons; sewer rate page uses 1 HCF = 748 gallons. For bill estimates, use the rate page tied to the charge you are checking.
Winter Monitoring: How to Lower Next Year’s Sewer Rate
How it works
- City monitors water usage during two winter billing cycles.
- It uses the cycle with the least usage to calculate sewer rate.
- The individualized flat sewer rate takes effect with the bill that includes July 1 of the following year.
- The rate remains in effect for one year.
- New customers use citywide average until winter monitoring data exists.
What to avoid in winter
- Irrigation during monitoring cycles.
- Running toilets.
- Pool filling.
- Unfixed leaks.
- Unusually high guest or construction water use.
- Delayed meter access issues.
Water Quality, Reservoirs, Lead Inventory and Reports
Annual report
The Drinking Water Quality Report, also called the Consumer Confidence Report, compares drinking water delivered to customers with state standards.
New report timing
San Diego says a new report for the previous year is issued by July 1.
Current report
Use the Water Quality Reports page for the current 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report and Spanish version.
Water-quality intent |
Official route |
What to record first |
|---|---|---|
Drinking water report |
Report year, service address and any contaminant or notice question. |
|
Lead service line check |
Property address and construction/plumbing history if known. |
|
Reservoir lake information |
Reservoir name, program or access question. |
|
Pure Water San Diego |
Project phase or neighborhood impact question. |
|
Odd taste, odor, color or pressure |
Customer Support or emergency line depending urgency. |
One tap/all taps, hot/cold, color/odor/taste, time started, neighbors affected. |
Trash, Recycling, Containers, HHW and Storm Drain Routing
Trash / recycling support
For City-serviced residential trash, recycling, organics and containers, use Get It Done, WastePortal or call 858-694-7000.
2026 container note
City FAQs say starting July 1, 2026, only official City-provided gray trash bins are eligible for trash collection.
Storm drain pollution
Report irrigation runoff or storm drain pollution with Get It Done or by calling 619-235-1000.
Non-billing need |
Official route |
Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
Find trash collection schedule |
Get It Done / Trash Collection Schedule. |
Search by property address; city-serviced properties show trash, recyclables and organics schedules. |
Damaged / missing container |
Get It Done request or 858-694-7000. |
Have container serial number if available. |
Household hazardous waste |
Get It Done HHW appointment. |
Use appointment route rather than placing HHW in trash. |
Missed collection |
Get It Done missed collection request. |
Check schedule and delay status before reporting. |
Container size upgrade |
WastePortal / Get It Done / 858-694-7000. |
Service level and account/property eligibility can matter. |
Service Area, Local Context and “Am I a City Customer?”
San Diego County warning: “San Diego water” can mean the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, San Diego County Water Authority, a neighboring city, a private water district or a landlord/HOA master-metered property. Use your bill’s account name and service address before paying.
Area / situation |
Likely utility action |
What to verify |
|---|---|---|
City of San Diego direct customer |
Use MyWaterSD, Customer Support, City payment page and Public Utilities service forms. |
Bill says City of San Diego / Public Utilities and has City account number. |
Apartment / condo / multi-family with one meter |
Public Utilities policy may require account in property owner’s name. |
Ask landlord/property manager if water is submetered, RUBS-billed or included in rent. |
Nearby cities in San Diego County |
May use different water/sewer agency even if mailing address says San Diego area. |
Do not use MyWaterSD unless the bill is from City of San Diego. |
Payment center outside San Diego city |
City lists payment locations in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, Santee, Spring Valley and Vista. |
Payment location does not mean that city is your water provider. |
Commercial / industrial account |
Water and sewer rates differ from single-family domestic rates. |
Use customer class on bill before estimating. |
Google Map: City Treasurer Walk-In Payment Office
Place / route |
Address / contact |
Use for |
|---|---|---|
Office of the City Treasurer |
1200 Third Ave., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-236-6112 |
Walk-in citywide payments, including water/sewer bill payments when lobby is open. |
Public Utilities payment mail |
City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, Customer Support Division, P.O. Box 129020, San Diego, CA 92112-9020 |
Mail payment and automatic payment form. |
Customer Support phone |
Billing, account, payment plan, start/stop, leak adjustment, service request. |
|
Water leak / sewer / pressure |
Emergency-style utility field issues. |
|
Environmental Services |
Trash, recycling, container and City-serviced waste collection support. |
San Diego Water Utilities FAQ
What is the San Diego water bill customer service phone number?
Call the City of San Diego Public Utilities Customer Support Division at 619-515-3500 for water/wastewater account questions. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5 PM, excluding City holidays.
Where do I log in to pay my San Diego water bill?
Use the MyWaterSD portal at customerportal.sandiego.gov. You can view and pay bills, track water use, sign up for alerts and notifications, and contact Public Utilities.
Can I pay my San Diego water bill by phone?
No. The City says it does not accept water/wastewater payments over the phone and will never contact customers to request phone payment.
What information is needed to pay online?
Online payment requires your account number and the service address street number. Registration for MyWaterSD requires account number, service address and email address.
What is the San Diego water leak or sewer spill phone number?
Call 619-515-3525 to report a water leak, sewer spill or water pressure issue. For irrigation runoff or storm drain pollution, use Get It Done or call 619-235-1000.
What is the 2026 San Diego single-family water rate?
Water rates effective January 1, 2026 list a $35.53 monthly base fee for a typical 3/4-inch single-family meter, plus $8.51 per HCF for 0-10 HCF, $9.50 per HCF for 11-22 HCF, and $11.89 per HCF above 22 HCF.
How is my San Diego sewer rate calculated?
Single-family sewer rate is based on winter monitoring. The City monitors two winter billing cycles and uses the lower-use cycle to calculate the individualized flat sewer rate that begins with the bill including July 1.
How do I request a payment plan?
Use the Request a Payment Plan page or call 619-515-3500. Payment plans can spread an outstanding balance up to 36 months with no interest, and the plan amount appears as “Deferred Due.”
What leaks qualify for a San Diego leak adjustment?
Only non-irrigation concealed pipe leaks qualify. Irrigation leaks, swimming pool leaks and plumbing fixture leaks do not qualify for timely bills. Requests must be received within 120 days of the first high bill related to the concealed leak.
Where can I pay in person?
The Office of the City Treasurer accepts citywide payments at 1200 Third Ave., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 during limited lobby hours. You can also use official payment locations listed by the City.
30-Second San Diego Water Checklist
Pay/login: MyWaterSD → account number + service address street number → check card fee → save confirmation.
No phone payment: 619-515-3500 is for customer support, not water bill payment by phone.
Emergency: water leak, sewer spill or pressure issue → 619-515-3525.
Start service: ID, DOB, address, email, phone and start date; setup can take up to 10 business days.
Stop service: submit up to 30 days ahead; processing can take up to 7 business days.
High bill: check meter read, held bill notice, winter sewer monitoring, concealed leak deadline and payment-plan options.

Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
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