SF Water Department 2026: Bill Pay, Start Service & Hydrant Meter
Looking for “SF water department” usually means you need one exact answer: pay a bill, start service, stop service, get help with a past-due balance, request a hydrant meter, apply for new water service, or report an emergency. This guide turns SFPUC’s official pages into a quick action board with the phone numbers, addresses, fees, rules and links that matter.
Choose the SFPUC Water Task You Actually Need
SF Water Department Contacts That Matter
Use this table first. It saves time because most SF water searches mix together customer billing, emergencies, hydrant meters and construction installation.
| Need | Official detail | Use this when |
|---|---|---|
| SFPUC headquarters | 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 | Customer service counter, cashier counter, drop box, official office reference. |
| Water/sewer customer service | 415-551-3000; customerservice@sfwater.org | Bill, service start/stop, account changes, payment plan, CAP application help. |
| Emergency/service problem | 3-1-1 or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco | Water, power or sewer emergency, active service problem, main break, urgent outage. |
| Pay by phone | 844-737-8222 | Automated water bill phone payment. |
| New water service installation | NIapprovals@sfwater.org; 415-551-2900 | New build, redevelopment, remodel, new water service facilities or modifications. |
| In-person customer counter | 525 Golden Gate Ave, 1st Floor; 9 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, excluding legal holidays | In-person payment, customer assistance application, payment issue, account help. |
How to Pay a San Francisco Water Bill
SFPUC gives customers multiple payment routes. Pick the one that matches your deadline and documentation needs.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best user action |
|---|---|---|
| Online / My Account | My Account lets customers view and pay bills and check water use online. | Use when you want account history, water usage, payment history or automatic payment. |
| Phone | Call 844-737-8222 for the automated payment service provider. | Use when you have account details ready and want a fast phone payment. |
| U.S. Mail | Mail check or money order payable to San Francisco Water to P.O. Box 7369, San Francisco, CA 94120-7369. Do not mail cash. | Use only when your due date is not urgent. |
| In person | Customer Service & Cashier Counters at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, open 9 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, excluding legal holidays. | Use for cash/check/card in-person payment or account assistance. |
| Drop box | Drop box is on the right-hand side wall of the main entrance. Do not leave cash in the drop box. | Use check or money order only after hours. |
| 7-Eleven cash payment | Cash only, minimum $10, with an EZ-Pay barcode. | Download the barcode first; check participating store availability. |
SFPUC My Account Login: What It Helps With
Use My Account if you want…
Online bill payment, account information, bill history, payment history, water usage checks and automatic payment setup.
Call customer service if…
You cannot access a closed account, need a payment plan, need CAP help, need to start/stop service, or have a billing dispute.
Find your account number
SFPUC says your account number is located at the top of your bill. Have it ready before calling or registering online.
Open the official portal
Use the official SFPUC My Account Water portal for water account access.
Check usage before calling about a high bill
Use water usage details to see whether the issue looks like usage, leak, estimated reading, account balance or payment posting.
Start or Stop San Francisco Water and Sewer Service
SFPUC says electricity and water/sewer services are billed separately and require separate accounts. Do not assume a power account starts water service.
| Task | Official rule | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Start water/sewer service | Request online or call 415-551-3000. Online requests are reviewed within 5 business days. | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, phone numbers, prior SF service address if any, other SFWD accounts, valid CA ID or business info. |
| Commercial start service | Commercial applicants must provide business ownership/tenant/property details, Federal Tax ID and business type. | Business owner/tenant status, service address, phone, tax ID, business activity. |
| Service deposit | Deposit is approximately twice estimated monthly water/sewer charges, but not less than $50. | Budget for deposit; it is returned with interest after one year of good payment history. |
| Stop service | Stop request may be made online or by phone. Request must be made at least 2 business days before requested stop date. | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, home/work or business phone. |
| Update account info | Update mailing address/phone online, by bill stub mail, email customerservice@sfwater.org, or phone 415-551-3000. | Account number, updated contact info and service address. |
SFPUC Payment Plan: What to Know Before You Apply
SFPUC payment plans apply only to past-due balances. Future bills still need to be paid separately. One late payment can cancel the plan unless you contact SFPUC before the payment date.
| Need for payment plan | What SFPUC asks for |
|---|---|
| Account details | SFPUC account number and account holder’s name. |
| Contact details | Account holder’s phone number and service address. |
| Mailing details | Mailing address if different from service address. |
| Plan request | Number of months requested and preferred payment method. |
| Follow-up | Be ready to answer calls from unknown numbers so assistance is not delayed. |
Customer Assistance Program: Save 25% or 40% on Water/Sewer Bills
SFPUC’s Customer Assistance Program is for eligible low-income customers who pay an SFPUC water and sewer bill. The discount can be 25% or 40% depending on income eligibility.
| CAP requirement / document | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Bill account | Only one SFPUC water/sewer service account, bill in your name, full-time resident at the discount address. |
| Income proof | Pay stubs, Social Security/SSI copies, W-2, benefit verification letter or unemployment statement. |
| Apply in person | Completed application or fill it at counter; bring income verification and account number. |
| Appeal deadline | If denied, appeal in writing with supporting documents within 30 days of denial. |
SFPUC Hydrant Meter Request: Permit, Fees and Rules
SFPUC allows builders, contractors and permitted special events to use low-pressure fire hydrants for temporary water supply, but only after the fee and approval process is complete.
| Hydrant rule / fee | 1-inch meter | 3-inch meter |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $3,716.45 | $5,556.45 |
| Connection fee | $955 | $955 |
| Monthly service charge | $71.07 | $357.10 |
| Cost per unit of water | $13.13 | $13.13 |
| Utility tax | 7.50% | 7.50% |
| Non-reporting penalty | $328.22 | $328.22 |
| Flushing fee | $1,668.68 | $1,668.68 |
| Lost or stolen meter | $3,716.45 | $5,556.45 |
Submit the application and requested information
SFPUC requires permit seekers to submit an application and provide all requested information.
Pay applicable fees and charges
Fees and charges are due at application and during the permit term.
Use only the issued equipment
SFPUC-issued Hydrant Meter Equipment includes the meter, hydrant connection, flex hose and spanner wrench.
Report readings every 2 months
Permit holders must report meter readings every 2 months according to the schedule in the permit.
Return equipment within 5 calendar days
Hydrant Meter Equipment must be returned to the SFWD CDD Meter Shop no later than 5 calendar days after the permit end date.
Water Service Installation for New Build, Redevelopment or Remodel
If a redevelopment, new build or remodel needs new water service facilities or modifications, SFPUC says a Water Service Installation Request Application must be submitted.
| Official requirement | What it means for the user | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DBI and SFFD approvals | Applicants must acquire required San Francisco Department of Building Inspection and San Francisco Fire Department permits/approvals before applying with SFPUC New Installations. | Do not submit to SFPUC before required building/fire approvals are ready. |
| Capacity charges | DBI approval includes receipt of all SFPUC Water and Wastewater Capacity Charge payments due. | Confirm capacity charges are paid before installation application. |
| Forms and contact | SFPUC says to contact New Service Installations at NIapprovals@sfwater.org or 415-551-2900 for appropriate forms. | Email with project address, permit status and contact details. |
| Application submission | Applications may be submitted by email or in person by appointment only at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor. | Call 415-551-2900 to schedule appointment if in-person submission is needed. |
| Fixture count | Applicant must provide fixture count to determine meter size for each service. | Prepare fixture count before asking for meter sizing. |
| Recycled water use areas | Certain large projects or landscape areas may have recycled water use requirements. | Check requirements early if project has major construction or large landscaping. |
Emergency, Service Problem or Water Quality Issue
Emergency or service problem
Call 3-1-1 inside San Francisco or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco for water, power or sewer emergency/service problems.
Bill/account problem
Call 415-551-3000 or email customerservice@sfwater.org for water/sewer bill help.
What to Say When Calling SFPUC
| Situation | Say this | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Bill payment | “I need help with my San Francisco Water bill payment or payment posting.” | Account number, payment date, amount, method, confirmation number. |
| Start service | “I need to start water and sewer service at [address].” | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, phone, ID or business details. |
| Stop service | “I need to stop water and sewer service on [date].” | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, phone, stop date at least 2 business days ahead. |
| Payment plan | “I need to request a payment plan for a past-due balance.” | Account number, phone, service address, mailing address, months requested, payment method. |
| Hydrant meter | “I need a hydrant meter permit for temporary water at [location].” | Project address, hydrant location, dates, contractor, permit needs, equipment size. |
| New installation | “I need New Service Installation forms for [project address].” | DBI/SFFD approval status, fixture count, project type, plans, contact email. |
SFPUC Customer Service Map and Visit Checklist
Use this map for SFPUC headquarters and the Customer Service & Cashier Counter location. For new service installation appointment needs, contact the New Service Installations unit first.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Address: 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Customer Service & Cashier Counters are on the 1st Floor.
SFPUC Hydrant Meter Video Guide
This is a proper WordPress-safe direct YouTube embed using the official SF Water Power Sewer video ID. It avoids broken YouTube search embeds.
How to Connect a Hydrant Meter
SF Water Power Sewer published a hydrant meter connection video. Use it for visual learning, but follow current SFPUC permit rules, fees and equipment requirements before using a hydrant.
Official SFPUC Links Used in This Guide
Payment Options
Online, phone, mail, in-person, drop box and retail payment details.
Open Payment OptionsMy Account Water
View and pay water bill, check usage, see bill and payment history.
Open My AccountStart or Stop Service
Start service, stop service, update account information and deposit details.
Open Start/Stop ServicePayment Plan
Past-due balance payment plan requirements and application route.
Open Payment PlanCAP Discount
Customer Assistance Program water/sewer bill discount details.
Open CAP ProgramHydrant Meter
Temporary hydrant water use, permit rules, fees and equipment requirements.
Open Hydrant Meter PageWater Service Installation
New water service or modification application, DBI/SFFD approvals and fixture count.
Open Installation PageSF Water Department Bill Pay, Start Service and Hydrant Meter FAQs
What is the SF Water Department customer service phone number?
For water/sewer customer service, call 415-551-3000. For water, power or sewer emergency/service problems, call 3-1-1 or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco.
How do I pay my San Francisco water bill by phone?
Call 844-737-8222, SFPUC’s automated payment service provider.
Where do I mail a San Francisco water bill payment?
Mail the bottom portion of the bill with check or money order payable to San Francisco Water to P.O. Box 7369, San Francisco, CA 94120-7369. Do not mail cash.
Where can I pay an SF water bill in person?
Pay at SFPUC Customer Service & Cashier Counters, 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor. The counter is listed as open 9 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, excluding legal holidays.
How do I start San Francisco water and sewer service?
Request water and sewer service online or call 415-551-3000. SFPUC says online requests are reviewed within 5 business days and a representative contacts you to complete the request.
Is there a deposit to start SFPUC water service?
Yes. SFPUC says the deposit is approximately twice the estimated monthly water and sewer charges, but not less than $50. The deposit plus interest is returned after one year of good payment history.
How do I stop SF water service?
Stop service online or by phone at 415-551-3000. SFPUC says stop requests must be made at least two business days before the requested stop date.
Can I request a payment plan for an SFPUC past-due bill?
Yes. SFPUC payment plans apply to past-due balances only. Future bills must be paid separately. Call 415-551-3000 or use the official payment plan form.
Who qualifies for the SFPUC Customer Assistance Program?
Eligibility depends on account and income rules. SFPUC lists 25% water/sewer bill discounts for households at or below 50% of San Francisco Area Median Income, and 40% discounts for households at or below 30% of Area Median Income.
What are SFPUC hydrant meter rules?
A hydrant permit is required. Permit holders must use the specific permitted hydrant, only SFPUC-issued equipment, report readings every 2 months and return equipment within 5 calendar days after permit end date.
Who handles new water service installation in San Francisco?
SFPUC New Service Installations handles new water service facility applications and modifications. Contact NIapprovals@sfwater.org or 415-551-2900.
Best Way to Handle an SF Water Department Task
The fastest path is not reading every SFPUC page. It is choosing the right department route, preparing the correct account/project details, and using official links before paying, applying, visiting, or sending a contractor.
Editorial note: This guide summarizes official SFPUC resources for easier public use. Official phone numbers, counter hours, payment options, fees, discounts, permit rules, forms and installation requirements can change. Confirm final details directly on official sfpuc.gov and sfwater.org pages before paying, applying, using a hydrant or scheduling construction work.