Department of Water Management Chicago 2026: Pay Bill, Phone, Leaks, Sewer & Service Help
Trying to pay a Chicago water and sewer bill, call the right billing number, report water in the street, request help for basement backup, check a damaged hydrant, dispute a high bill, apply for Utility Billing Relief, or figure out whether a water problem belongs to DWM, Finance, 311, or a private plumber? This guide separates Chicago’s official water operations from billing tasks and gives you the fastest route for each issue before you waste time on the wrong city page.
What Do You Need From Chicago Water or Utility Billing?
Chicago Water Contacts That Matter
| User need | Use this route | Best first sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Pay water/sewer bill, online account, payment plan | Utility Billing & Customer Service — 312-744-4426 | “I need help with my Chicago utility bill account at [address].” |
| Water leak, water in street, sewer backup, hydrant damage | 311 or 311.Chicago.gov | “I need to submit a Department of Water Management service request for [issue].” |
| DWM department information | DWM main office — 312-744-6635 | “I need Department of Water Management contact or program information.” |
| Water quality / lead testing route | 311 / Chicago water quality resources | “I want to request a water sample kit or water quality help.” |
| Property sale, final utility balance, FPC | Full Payment Certificate / Department of Finance | “I need a Full Payment Certificate or final water/sewer bill for a property transfer.” |
How to Pay a Chicago Water and Sewer Utility Bill
Chicago utility bills can include water, sewer and related city utility charges. Use the official utility portal or city payment routes so your payment posts to the correct account.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Online Quick Pay | The City utility portal offers Quick Pay so users can pay without signing in. | Fast one-time payment when you have the account details. |
| Online account management | Portal supports bill payment, paperless billing, AutoPay/SelectPay and payment plans. | Best for regular account management and payment plan setup. |
| Phone payment | Call 312-744-4426 and follow the automated phone system instructions. | Payment by phone when you cannot use the online portal. |
| In-person payment | City payment locations include City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle, Room 107A. | Users who need in-person help or payment-center support. |
| Mail / remittance | Use the remittance address shown on the bill or official payment instructions. | Non-urgent check payment; avoid near due date or shutoff risk. |
Billing Disputes, High Bills and Account Questions
If your issue is about the amount charged, payment posting, payment plan, estimated use, bill dispute or account access, start with Utility Billing & Customer Service, not DWM operations.
| Billing issue | What to check first | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| High bill / spike | Recent leak, running toilet, outside hose, underground service line, estimated reading, unpaid previous balance. | Call 312-744-4426 or email utilitybill@cityofchicago.org with account and evidence. |
| Payment not posted | Confirmation number, payment date, amount, account number used, payment method. | Contact Utility Billing with proof of payment. |
| Bill dispute | Bill date, meter status, service address, previous balance and customer notes. | Contact Utility Billing & Customer Service before the issue ages. |
| Need payment plan | Online account, total due, past-due amount, eligibility. | Set up online or call 312-744-4426. |
Chicago Utility Billing Relief, Payment Plans and Leak Relief
Chicago has several routes for customers who cannot pay or who have a large water/sewer bill because of a leak. Do not ignore a past-due bill; choose the right relief path quickly.
How to Submit Chicago DWM Water and Sewer Service Requests
DWM service requests are routed through 311, 311.Chicago.gov and Chicago Water Dashboard. Pick the exact request type so the City can ask the right dispatch questions.
| Issue | Use this request | Details to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Water in street | Water on Street / water remaining after storm | Street address, cross streets, whether water is moving, storm timing, nearby sewer blockage. |
| Basement backup | Water in Basement | Address, depth, sewage or clear water, active backup, rain timing, safety hazards. |
| Damaged hydrant | Open or Damaged Hydrant | Hydrant location, leaking/open/damaged condition, nearby address, photos if safe. |
| Possible service line leak | Call 311 and describe water service line break/leak | Meter box/street/building location, water flow, lead service line concern, plumber findings. |
| Private drain under public way | Private Drain Repair / inspection route | Sewer contractor video/rodding details and inspection need. |
Chicago Water Leaks, Service Lines and Lead Replacement Routes
If you suspect a service line break or leak, call 311. DWM can determine whether the break is on the public or private side. Chicago also has lead service line replacement programs connected to breaks/leaks and equity-based replacement.
Public side vs private side
DWM investigation matters because repair responsibility can depend on where the leak or break is located.
Lead service line programs
If a service line breaks or leaks, Chicago’s lead-safe route may connect eligible homes with full lead service line replacement.
Report the break or leak to 311
Describe whether water is in the street, yard, basement, meter box or building. Mention if a plumber found a service line issue.
Ask how DWM will classify the leak
Ask whether the City will inspect and whether the leak is public-side or private-side.
Keep records for billing or relief
Save 311 request number, plumber invoice, photos, repair date, bill spike, and any DWM notes.
Water in Basement, Sewer Backup or Private Drain Problem
Basement water can be rainwater, sewer backup, private plumbing failure, drain-tile failure, public sewer restriction, or street flooding. The service request type matters.
| What you see | Likely route | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Water/sewage backing into basement | Water in Basement 311 request | “Water/sewage is backing into my basement at [address].” |
| Standing water in street after rain | Water on Street request | “Water remains on the street after rain at [location].” |
| Suspected sewer obstruction | Sewer cleaning / inspection request through 311 | “I suspect a major blockage in the sewer system.” |
| Private drain broken under public way | Private Drain Repair process | “A licensed sewer contractor found a private drain issue under the public way.” |
Report an Open or Damaged Chicago Fire Hydrant
Chicago’s official damaged hydrant service says the Department of Water Management handles reports of damaged city fire hydrants. Use the online 311 request or call 311 if the condition is urgent.
Chicago Water Quality, Test Kits and Tap Water Concerns
For taste, odor, color, lead testing or drinking-water quality concerns, use Chicago’s official water quality and 311 routes. A water quality report is useful for annual system data, but your home issue may require a specific service request or test kit.
| Concern | What to do | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Lead concern | Request testing or guidance through the official Chicago water quality route / 311. | Address, plumbing age, filter use, recent construction, sample timing. |
| Discolored water | Call 311 / DWM route if persistent or severe. | Color, hot/cold, when it started, hydrant activity nearby. |
| Odor or taste | Document affected fixtures and call 311 if it continues. | Fixture, time, whether neighbors have same issue, recent flushing. |
| Annual report | Read the current Consumer Confidence / Water Quality Report. | Report year and any household-specific questions to ask DWM. |
Chicago Private Drain Repair: When the City May Repair Under the Public Way
The Private Drain Repair page says the City may repair sewer drain tiles from private residences of up to four units when they are broken under the public way, from the city sidewalk to the center of the street, if conditions are met.
Hire a licensed sewer contractor
The process requires a licensed sewer contractor to rod and/or video inspect the drain line.
Schedule inspection review
The contractor must schedule a review by a sewer inspector for the City process.
Keep proof and request number
Save video, invoice, 311 request, inspector notes and photos.
Buying or Selling Chicago Property: Water Final Bill and FPC
Chicago property transfers often require a Full Payment Certificate showing water and sewer charges are paid or handled. Do this early because some properties require final readings, field reviews or additional processing.
| Property task | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Full Payment Certificate | Used to confirm water/sewer charges and penalties are paid or not transferable. | Apply through the official Full Payment Certificate route. |
| Final meter reading | Some metered properties may require a final reading before certification. | Apply early and respond to any scheduling request. |
| Name/mailing address change | Wrong mailing address can cause missed bills or late notices. | Use the official owner/name/mailing address route if needed. |
| Unpaid balance | Outstanding water/sewer balances can affect closing and transfer. | Call Utility Billing at 312-744-4426 if the account is unclear. |
What to Say When You Contact Chicago Water or Utility Billing
| Situation | Say this | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Pay bill / payment not posted | “I need help with my Chicago utility bill payment or account.” | Account number, service address, payment amount, confirmation number. |
| High bill dispute | “I’m disputing or reviewing a high water/sewer bill.” | Bill date, usage pattern, plumber invoice, leak repair proof, photos. |
| Water in street | “I need to report water in the street at [address/cross street].” | Location, rain timing, whether active flow continues, photos if safe. |
| Basement backup | “I have water or sewage backing up into my basement.” | Depth, sewage/clear water, rain timing, health/safety hazards. |
| Damaged hydrant | “I need to report an open or damaged city hydrant.” | Nearest address, intersection, hydrant condition, safety issue. |
| Lead/service line concern | “I suspect a service line break or lead service line issue and need DWM guidance.” | Address, plumber note, leak location, service line material if known. |
Chicago DWM and Utility Billing Map
Chicago Department of Water Management — Jardine Water Purification Plant
Address: 1000 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Use this as DWM administrative office reference. Many customer service issues still route through 311 or Utility Billing.
City Hall Utility Billing / Payment Location Reference
Address: 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 107A, Chicago, IL 60602. Use this for in-person utility billing or payment-center reference when applicable.
Chicago Water Dashboard, 311 and Portal Resources
No YouTube embed is included. For a Chicago water article, the most useful “visual” resource is the official dashboard/portal where users can submit and track requests, not a generic video.
Use Official Chicago Tools Instead of Third-Party Videos
For payments, use the utility portal. For service requests, use 311. For water system requests, use DWM and Chicago Water Dashboard links.
Open Official Chicago Water Tools
Choose the portal that matches your task: pay bill, submit 311 request, or review DWM resources.
Official Chicago Water and Utility Links
Department of Water Management
DWM services, programs, water/sewer operations and 311 service request routing.
Open DWMUtility Billing & Customer Service
Billing, payment options, online account management, payment plans and AutoPay/SelectPay.
Open Utility BillingUtility Billing Portal
Quick Pay, online account login, paperless billing, AutoPay, SelectPay and payment plans.
Open Payment PortalPay Utility Bill
Official pay-by-phone and in-person payment route for Chicago utility bills.
Open Pay BillPayment Locations
City payment center information, including City Hall location details.
Open Payment LocationsUtility Billing Relief
Reduced water/sewer rate and debt relief route for eligible low-income residents.
Open UBRPayment Plan
Set up or review a Chicago utility bill payment plan online, by phone or in person.
Open Payment PlanCHI 311
Submit and track non-emergency city service requests, including water and sewer requests.
Open CHI 311Open or Damaged Hydrant
Official DWM 311 request for open or damaged city hydrants.
Report HydrantWater in Basement
Official route for basement backup or water entering home/business.
Open Basement RequestPrivate Drain Repair
DWM program for qualifying broken private sewer drain tiles under the public way.
Open Private DrainLead Safe Chicago
Lead service line replacement programs, including breaks/leaks replacement route.
Open Lead SafeDepartment of Water Management Chicago FAQs
What is the Chicago water bill phone number?
For Chicago utility bill payment and billing support, call 312-744-4426.
Who handles Chicago water bills?
The Department of Finance Utility Billing & Customer Service handles water and sewer billing, payment plans, account management and bill disputes. The Department of Water Management handles water and sewer operations.
Where is the Chicago Department of Water Management located?
DWM’s main office is listed at the Jardine Water Purification Plant, 1000 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
How do I pay a Chicago utility bill online?
Use the official Chicago Utility Billing Portal. Quick Pay lets you pay without signing in; account login supports paperless billing, AutoPay/SelectPay and payment plans.
How do I report a Chicago water leak?
Call 311 or use 311.Chicago.gov. Describe the location, whether water is active, and whether it is in the street, basement, yard, meter box or service line.
How do I report water in my basement in Chicago?
Use the official Water in Basement 311 request route or call 311, especially if water or sewage is actively backing up.
How do I report a damaged Chicago fire hydrant?
Use the official Open or Damaged Hydrant request through Chicago 311. DWM handles damaged city fire hydrant reports.
Does Chicago offer water bill relief?
Yes. Chicago’s Utility Billing Relief program provides eligible low-income residents reduced rates on water, sewer and water-sewer tax, along with debt relief.
Can I set up a Chicago utility bill payment plan?
Yes. Use the online account management portal, call 312-744-4426, or use the official Utility Bill Payment Plan route.
Who repairs private drains in Chicago?
The City may repair qualifying private sewer drain tiles from residences of up to four units when they are broken under the public way and required conditions are met. A licensed sewer contractor and inspection process are required.
How do I get help with lead in Chicago water?
Use the official Chicago water quality / Lead Safe Chicago routes and call 311 for suspected service line breaks or leaks. Chicago has lead service line replacement programs tied to specific eligibility and work conditions.
What number do I call for Chicago city service requests?
Call 311 or visit 311.Chicago.gov for non-emergency water, sewer, hydrant and related city service requests.
Best Way to Handle Chicago Water Billing, Leaks or Sewer Issues
Before contacting the City, have your account number, service address, bill copy, payment confirmation, photos if safe, exact location, 311 request number, plumber invoice, service line concern, or property-transfer document ready. The fastest answer usually comes from choosing billing, 311 service request, DWM operations, or property-transfer support correctly.
Editorial note: This guide summarizes official City of Chicago Department of Water Management, Department of Finance Utility Billing, 311 and Lead Safe Chicago resources for easier public use. Phone numbers, payment locations, billing policies, relief eligibility, service request categories and office procedures can change. Confirm final details on Chicago.gov, UtilityBill.Chicago.gov, 311.Chicago.gov or directly with City staff before paying, disputing, applying, repairing, selling property or relying on a deadline.