Palm Springs Water Utilities 2026: Bill Pay, Login & Phone

Palm Springs CA • Desert Water Agency • myDWA • bill pay • phone • rates • sewer routing

Palm Springs Water Utilities: Pay, Log In, Call, Start Service or Check 2026 Rates

In Palm Springs, the drinking-water bill is usually handled by Desert Water Agency, not the City water department. This guide explains how to pay through myDWA, use Quick Pay, call the new phone-payment number, start or stop service, understand the 2026 rate table, report water waste, request payment help, handle high-water bills, and route sewer problems correctly.

Start Here: Fast Palm Springs Water Action Board

DWA customer service760-323-4971
Phone payment833-742-4416
DWA office1200 S. Gene Autry Trail
Sewer emergency760-323-8166, dial 0
User need
Official route
Have ready
Palm Springs-specific next step
Pay water bill online
New DWA account number, customer number, service address, payment method.
Use the 2025-updated account/customer number format from the current bill, not an old bookmark or old number.
Quick Pay without login
Account number and customer details from current bill.
Use this for one-time payment when you do not need full account history or profile settings.
Log in / register
Email, password, new account number and customer number.
Portal supports bill details, single/multi-account management, multi-bill pay and e-billing.
Pay by phone
Account number, customer number, amount due, checking account or card.
DWA says the previous phone/one-time pay route through Paymentus is not available after the March 2025 billing change.
Billing or account help
Bill, account/customer number, payment proof, screenshot, shutoff notice or dispute facts.
Call during DWA business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Start water service
Online application, owner/tenant/realtor status, deposit if required, service date.
All requests are submitted online; printed forms can be mailed, faxed or brought in if preferred.
Stop water service
Account number, service address, final date, forwarding contact.
DWA says water is turned off the morning of the day you choose.
Sewer emergency in Palm Springs
Address, cross street, backup/break details, whether inside building or public main.
City says property owners are responsible for sanitary sewer laterals from home to sewer main, including under street.
Payment assistance
Bill, income situation, hardship details, account number.
Call DWA ext. 129 for payment plan screening and check Help2Others for a possible $200 annual credit.
Report water waste or leak
Address, date/time, photo if safe, runoff/overspray details.
Watering runoff, hardscape washing and watering during/after rain can trigger warning or penalties.

Quick answer: Palm Springs water customers should start with Desert Water Agency at dwa.org/pay-my-bill, use myDWA for login/account history, call 760-323-4971 for customer service, call 833-742-4416 for phone payment, and call the City sewer emergency line at 760-323-8166, dial 0 for sanitary sewer emergencies.

Who Handles Water, Sewer and Utility Questions in Palm Springs?

The most common confusion is that “Palm Springs water utilities” is split by service type. Desert Water Agency supplies domestic water to Palm Springs customers. The City of Palm Springs provides sewer service to residents and businesses, and DWA may collect/pass through certain sewer-related charges in portions of its service area.

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Water bill

Desert Water Agency handles potable water service, billing, myDWA, water rates, water waste, conservation and water-quality reports.

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Sewer service

City of Palm Springs handles City sewer service and sanitary sewer emergency routing.

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Other utilities

Electric, gas, trash, city tax and other utility lines may come from separate providers. Do not assume every “utility” item is part of the DWA water bill.

Question
Correct agency
What to do
“Where do I pay my Palm Springs water bill?”
Desert Water Agency.
Use myDWA, Quick Pay, phone pay, DWA office, drop box or mail.
“Why did my DWA account number change?”
Desert Water Agency.
Use the new account and customer number from the post-March 2025 bill.
“Who fixes a sewer lateral blockage?”
Property owner, unless it is in the main line.
City says lateral blockages/breaks from home to sanitary sewer main are owner responsibility, including under street.
“Who clears a sewer main issue?”
City/Veolia personnel through sewer emergency route.
Call 760-323-8166 and dial 0 for sanitary sewer emergencies.
“Why is there a sewer charge on a DWA-related bill?”
DWA / City / CVWD depending property.
DWA says it collects and sends sewage to the City or CVWD in portions of service area, with pass-through treatment costs for some locations.

Bill Pay and Login: myDWA Steps

1. Use current bill

Find the new account number and customer number from your current DWA billing statement.

2. Choose Quick Pay or profile

Quick Pay needs no login; registered myDWA gives account history, multi-account management and e-billing.

3. Choose payment type

Pay by checking account, credit card, AutoPay, phone, mail, in person, drop box or bank bill pay.

4. Save proof

Keep confirmation, date, amount, account/customer number and payment method.

Payment method
How it works
Best for
Do not miss
myDWA Customer Portal
Track, manage and pay bills, view water-use history, sign up for AutoPay and e-billing.
Customers who want ongoing online account control.
Use current account/customer number after the billing-system update.
Quick Pay / One-Time Pay
Pay online using checking account or credit card without full profile management.
Fast one-time payment.
Old Paymentus one-time route is no longer the correct path after the billing change.
AutoPay
Monthly payment deducted from checking account or credit card.
Customers who do not want to remember every due date.
If AutoPay was already enrolled before the myDWA change, DWA says payments continue automatically; to change payment information, re-enroll in AutoPay.
Phone payment
Call 833-742-4416.
Customers who prefer automated phone payment.
Have account/customer number ready and save confirmation number.
Bank bill pay
Use your bank’s online bill-pay system.
Customers whose bank offers free bill pay.
Enter the eight-digit account number and six-digit customer number separated by a dash, such as 12345678-789101.
In person
Cash, check or credit card at DWA main lobby, 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail.
Local customers who want payment receipt or account help.
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Drop box
“Water Tower” payment drop box in visitor parking lot.
After-hours check payment.
Only check payments accepted; no cash; payments are collected 8 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Mail
Desert Water Agency, P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710.
Non-urgent check payment.
Include payment slip and do not mail cash.
Payment problem script: “I paid Desert Water Agency account [account number-customer number] on [date/time] by [myDWA / Quick Pay / phone / AutoPay / bank bill pay / mail / office / drop box]. Service address is [address], amount was [amount], and confirmation/check number is [number]. Can you confirm posting and whether any balance, late fee or shutoff issue remains?”

Start, Stop or Change Water Service

All requests online

  • Start and stop requests are submitted online.
  • Printed forms may be mailed, faxed or delivered in person.
  • Every residential and commercial property requires application for service.
  • DWA assesses a $30 account establishment fee to new accounts.

Owners and tenants

  • Property owners must set up accounts whether rented, leased or owned.
  • Owners may authorize tenants to be billed directly.
  • Owner remains responsible for unpaid charges.
  • New owners should submit owner application so DWA records are accurate.

Realtors

  • Complete request to start service as property owner.
  • Provide listing agreement showing authorized agent status.
  • $100 deposit and $30 establishment fee must be paid upfront.
  • Confirm turn-on timing before showing or inspection.

Commercial

  • Commercial/business deposit is charged on first bill.
  • 5/8 x 3/4-inch meter deposit: $100.
  • 1-inch meter deposit: $100; 1½-inch: $150.
  • 2-inch and larger: $200.

Stop-service note: DWA says when service is discontinued, water is turned off the morning of the date you choose. Schedule stop service carefully if the property still needs water for cleaning, inspection, repairs, landscaping, tenant move-out or closing.

Start-service script: “I need to start Desert Water Agency service at [address] on [date]. I am the [owner / tenant authorized by owner / realtor / business]. I understand the account establishment fee is $30 and there may be a deposit. What documents and upfront payment are required before water can be turned on?”

2026 DWA Rates, Fixed Charges and Sewer Pass-Through Notes

DWA’s current rate page says rates listed are in effect as of July 1, 2026. Recycled-water rates took effect July 1, 2026 and appear on August bills. New potable-water and DWA wastewater-service-charge rates take effect January 1, 2027 and appear on February 2027 water bills.

Water unit rate

$2.75 per 100 cubic feet. One 100-cubic-foot unit equals 748 gallons.

Common fixed charge

5/8 x 3/4-inch and 1-inch monthly fixed water service charge: $43.27.

Chino Creek

Chino Creek area volumetric rate: $8.46 per 100 cubic feet.

Recycled water

Recycled-water rate: $0.79 per hundred cubic feet, effective July 1, 2026.

2026 DWA rate item
Amount
What it means on the bill
Volumetric potable water rate
$2.75 per 100 cubic feet
Usage-based charge; 100 cubic feet equals 748 gallons.
Chino Creek volumetric rate
$8.46 per 100 cubic feet
Higher special-area rate.
5/8 x 3/4-inch meter fixed charge
$43.27
Common residential fixed monthly water service charge.
1-inch meter fixed charge
$43.27
Same fixed charge as 5/8 x 3/4-inch on current table.
1½-inch meter fixed charge
$81.30
Larger meter fixed charge.
2-inch meter fixed charge
$126.96
Higher fixed charge for larger meter.
3-inch meter fixed charge
$271.53
Commercial/large-property context.
4-inch meter fixed charge
$484.61
Large-meter account.
6-inch meter fixed charge
$994.44
Large commercial or institutional account.
8-inch meter fixed charge
$1,831.47
Very large account.
10-inch meter fixed charge
$2,896.79
Very large account.
12-inch meter fixed charge
$3,809.91
Largest listed fixed charge.
Extra rate/charge
Amount / rule
Why it matters
Zone pumping A, C, F, J
$0.00 per hcf
No added zone pumping charge.
Zone pumping B, D, G, I
$0.32 per hcf
Added to volumetric rate for higher-elevation zones.
Zone pumping E, H, K
$0.36 per hcf
Added to volumetric rate.
Zone pumping L
$0.74 per hcf
Highest listed zone pumping charge.
Cathedral City residential sewer treatment cost
$20.00-$31.96 pass-through
DWA collects and sends sewage to City/CVWD in portions of service area.
DWA sewer service charge
$8.03
Listed service charge for applicable Cathedral City sewer accounts.
Business/school/apartment sewer treatment
Determined by property type and characteristics
Call 760-323-4971 for property-specific monthly treatment cost.
Grease trap charge if applicable
$14.00
Commercial food-service context.
Replenishment assessment
$255 per acre-foot
For large groundwater pumpers with private wells.

High-bill tip: compare water units, meter size, zone pumping charge, Chino Creek status, sewer pass-through/service charge, account establishment fee, AutoPay status, water waste penalty, and outdoor irrigation before assuming the meter is wrong.

Late Fees, Shutoff Risk, Disputes and Payment Help

Dispute deadline

If water is scheduled to be turned off for nonpayment, a written dispute must be submitted two business days before the shutoff date on the bill.

Payment plan

To see whether you qualify for a payment plan, contact DWA at 760-323-4971, extension 129.

Help2Others

Income-eligible customers may receive a $200 annual bill credit through DWA’s Help2Others program with Inland SoCal United Way.

Problem
Official / practical route
Prepare before calling or submitting
Cannot pay full bill
Call DWA at 760-323-4971 ext. 129 about a payment plan.
Account/customer number, amount due, due date, hardship reason.
Low-income water bill help
Apply for Help2Others through Inland SoCal United Way.
Bill, household/income information and DWA account details.
Need discounted rate
DWA says California constitutional restrictions prevent it from offering discounted water rates or bill credits/forgiveness to low-income or senior customers.
Use Help2Others, payment plan and outside assistance instead.
High bill from leak
Check high-bill/leak program and save repair invoices/receipts.
Before/after usage, normal month comparison, repair date, contractor/parts proof.
Dispute amount or decision
Use DWA Dispute My Bill form.
Reason for dispute, bill copy, evidence, account number, shutoff date if any.
Utility / food / energy help
DWA lists LIHEAP, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, FIND Food Bank, 211 and Riverside County Office on Aging.
Call early because funding and eligibility may change.
Assistance script: “My DWA account [account-customer number] is [past due / high bill / shutoff notice / leak bill]. The amount due is [amount], due date or shutoff date is [date], and my hardship is [brief reason]. Can you tell me whether I should use a payment plan, Help2Others, high-bill leak help, or a written dispute?”

Water Waste, Leaks and Desert Conservation Rules

Runoff prohibited

Watering so much that it runs onto sidewalks, driveways or other non-landscape areas is restricted.

Rain rule

Watering during and 48 hours after rain is restricted.

Vehicle washing

Running water to wash vehicles is restricted; buckets and stop nozzles for rinsing are permitted.

Penalties

First offense starts at $50 for single-family and $100 for all other accounts; repeated offenses rise higher.

Rule / issue
DWA guidance
What to do now
Water runoff
Do not water so much that water runs onto sidewalk, driveway or non-landscape areas.
Adjust run time, fix broken heads and split watering into shorter cycles.
Hardscape washing
Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited except health/safety needs; reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
Use broom or limited pressure washing only when justified.
Rain timing
No watering during and 48 hours after rain.
Install/use rain sensor or smart controller.
Vehicle washing
No running water; use bucket and hose stop nozzle for rinsing.
Turn off water between rinses.
Non-functional turf
Potable water irrigation of certain non-functional turf is prohibited statewide and locally by DWA ordinance.
Businesses, governments and HOAs should verify turf category and deadlines.
Pools
DWA encourages customers not to empty and refill swimming pools from June 1 through October 31.
Repair leaks and use pool covers where practical.
Leak checking
DWA personnel look for crews or cones showing sprinklers are running for a leak check.
Make leak-check activity visible or contact DWA if cited incorrectly.
Report waste
Reports help DWA issue warning letters and enforce restrictions.
Submit address, time, type of waste and photo if safe.

Desert bill control: in Palm Springs, outdoor irrigation, overseeding, pool leaks and broken valves can turn a normal bill into a high bill quickly. Check myDWA usage history, look for continuous use, inspect irrigation zones, then call DWA before the next billing cycle if usage remains abnormal.

Water Quality, Sources, PFAS and Service Area

Safe and reliable

DWA says its water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards and publishes annual Water Quality Reports.

Groundwater

About 95% of DWA’s drinkable water is pumped from wells throughout the service area, with remaining supply from mountain streams.

PFAS testing

DWA says PFAS was not detected in the retail service area above state notification levels in 2025 and that quarterly testing is being conducted in 2026.

Water-quality topic
Official detail
Customer next step
Provider background
DWA started providing water service to customers in Palm Springs and Cathedral City in 1968 and is a not-for-profit government agency.
Use DWA, not the City main line, for drinking-water bill and quality questions.
Service scale
DWA says it has about 24,000 domestic water connections serving approximately 75,000 people including seasonal population.
Useful when explaining service-area versus city-boundary differences.
Water source
Most Coachella Valley water comes from an underground groundwater basin; DWA also uses local stream runoff from Snow Creek, Falls Creek and Chino Canyon.
Read the Water Sources pages for groundwater, imported water, streams and recycled water.
Well system
DWA overview describes 27 active wells, about 24,000 active services and roughly 425 miles of pipeline.
Report pressure/quality problems with address and time.
Imported replenishment water
DWA uses State Water Project rights through an exchange with Metropolitan Water District; replenishment water comes via Colorado River Aqueduct to recharge basins at Whitewater and Mission Creek.
Important for drought and long-term supply context.
Annual report
DWA says it tests more than 2,500 or 2,600 samples yearly and publishes results annually in a Water Quality Report.
Open the latest Water Quality Report before relying on old data.
Chromium-6
DWA says it has not detected chromium-6 above the state maximum contaminant level.
Use DWA Chromium-6 page and annual report for exact monitoring language.
PFAS
DWA says 2025 retail-service-area tests did not exceed California notification levels, with quarterly testing in 2026.
Use PFAS page and annual report for updates.
Water-quality script: “My water at [address] has [color/odor/taste/pressure] from [hot/cold/all taps] since [time]. I checked whether there is a notice and want to know whether this is source water, distribution, private plumbing, PFAS/chromium concern or a service-area issue.”

Palm Springs Sewer Emergency and Lateral Responsibility

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Sanitary sewer emergency

Call: 760-323-8166, then dial 0.

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Owner lateral responsibility

The City says blockages or breaks within a sanitary sewer lateral are the property owner’s responsibility from home to sewer main, including under street.

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Main line

The City says blockages within the main line will be cleared by Veolia personnel.

Problem
Call / action
What to say
Immediate safety step
Sewage backup inside home
Call sewer emergency line and plumber if lateral may be involved.
“Sewer is backing up at [toilet/tub/floor drain] at [address].”
Avoid wastewater contact and stop using fixtures if backup worsens.
Possible public sewer main issue
760-323-8166, dial 0.
“Multiple properties/street cleanout appear affected near [cross street].”
Keep people away from overflow.
Private sewer lateral blockage
Property owner/plumber responsibility unless City confirms main issue.
“Plumber found blockage at [location/footage], near [street/cleanout].”
Document video inspection and exact location.
Sewer charge question
Call DWA if charge appears on DWA bill; call City sewer billing if City bill/availability applies.
“I need to understand sewer charge/pass-through for [address].”
Have bill line item and parcel/service address ready.

Map: Desert Water Agency Office in Palm Springs

Use this map for Desert Water Agency’s customer-service office at 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264. This is the main in-person payment and customer-service location listed by DWA.

Location / route
Address / phone
Best use
DWA office
1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264; 760-323-4971
In-person payment, billing help, customer-service forms, account support.
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Live customer-service visit or phone call.
Mail payment
Desert Water Agency, P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710
Mail check with payment slip; no cash.
Water Tower drop box
Visitor parking lot at DWA office.
After-hours check payment; collected 8 a.m. Monday-Friday.
myDWA online
desertwateragencyca.municipalonlinepayments.com/desertwateragencyca/utilities
Login, profile, e-billing, multi-account management, bill details and payment.
Phone payment
833-742-4416
Automated/phone payment by checking account or card.
City sewer emergency
760-323-8166, dial 0
Sanitary sewer emergency, main line or backup routing.

Palm Springs Water Utilities FAQ

Who provides water service in Palm Springs?

Desert Water Agency is the main water provider for Palm Springs customers. It is a not-for-profit government agency and is separate from the City of Palm Springs, though it works with the City on related utility issues.

What is the Palm Springs water bill phone number?

Call Desert Water Agency customer service at 760-323-4971. The office is listed at 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264, with business hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

What is the DWA phone payment number?

To pay a Desert Water Agency bill by phone, call 833-742-4416. DWA says customers can pay by checking account or credit card, including American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover.

Where do I pay my Palm Springs water bill online?

Use Desert Water Agency’s Pay My Bill page or the myDWA Customer Portal. Quick Pay is available for one-time payment, while the portal lets customers view details, manage single or multiple accounts, use multi-bill pay and sign up for e-billing.

Why did my DWA account number change?

DWA updated its billing system and myDWA portal in March 2025. Customers received a new account number and customer number, which are needed for payments, bank bill pay and portal setup.

Where do I mail a Desert Water Agency payment?

Mail check payments with the payment slip to Desert Water Agency, P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710. Do not mail cash.

How do I start or stop DWA water service?

Use DWA’s Start/Stop Service page. Every residential and commercial property requires an application for service, and DWA assesses a $30 account establishment fee to new accounts. When service is stopped, water is turned off the morning of the chosen date.

What are common 2026 DWA water rates?

The current 2026 DWA table lists potable water usage at $2.75 per 100 cubic feet, with 100 cubic feet equal to 748 gallons. The monthly fixed water service charge is $43.27 for 5/8 x 3/4-inch and 1-inch meters.

Who do I call for a sewer emergency in Palm Springs?

For City of Palm Springs sanitary sewer emergencies, call 760-323-8166 and dial 0. The City says sewer lateral blockages or breaks from the home to the sewer main are the property owner’s responsibility, including the portion under the street.

Does DWA offer help with water bills?

DWA says customers may contact 760-323-4971 ext. 129 to see if they qualify for a payment plan. Income-eligible customers may also qualify for a $200 annual bill credit through Help2Others with Inland SoCal United Way.

30-Second Palm Springs Water Checklist

Water provider: use Desert Water Agency for Palm Springs water billing, myDWA, water rates, quality and conservation.

Pay/login: use DWA Pay My Bill, myDWA portal or Quick Pay; use your new account/customer number from the current bill.

Phone: DWA customer service is 760-323-4971; phone payment is 833-742-4416.

Office: 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mail: Desert Water Agency, P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710.

Sewer: City sewer emergency line is 760-323-8166, dial 0; sewer laterals are generally owner responsibility from home to main.

High bill: check myDWA usage, meter size, zone pumping, Chino Creek rate, sewer/pass-through line, AutoPay status, irrigation, leaks, water waste penalties and account changes before calling.

Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.

Find official payment pages safely
Prepare before late fees or shutoff
Check high bill and leak causes
Useful on every city water guide

Official Water Bill Portal Finder

Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.

Safety tip: Use the official city, county, or utility website when paying a water bill. Do not enter card or bank details on a page that only looks like a payment portal but does not clearly identify the official utility.

Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist

Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.

Important: Some official utilities use third-party processors. That can be normal, but the payment processor should be linked from the official utility website and show clear fee/payment details.

Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan

Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.

Do not wait: If you received a shutoff notice, online payment alone may not stop disconnection. Call the utility billing office and save your confirmation number.

High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter

A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.

Quick leak test Turn off all water, then check whether the meter still moves.
Toilet check Put food coloring in tank. If color reaches bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.
Ask utility Request usage history, meter reread, leak adjustment policy, and payment arrangement options.

Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist

Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.

Your preparation checklist

Move-out tip: Ask for a final meter read, final bill date, refund/deposit process, and confirmation number when stopping service.

Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder

If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.

Helpful document list: Keep your account number, photo ID, service address, bill copy, shutoff notice, income proof if needed, repair receipt if leak-related, and payment confirmation numbers.

Water Department Call Script Generator

Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.

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