Department of Water Management 2026: Chicago Water Bill Pay, Login & Service Help
Chicago water users often search “Department of Water Management” when they really need one of two routes: pay or manage a City utility bill through Department of Finance Utility Billing, or report a water/sewer field issue through Chicago 311 and DWM. This guide separates those tasks clearly, with official login and Quick Pay links, phone and mail payment details, payment-plan and Utility Billing Relief shortcuts, water-leak and sewer request routes, permit/service-line pointers, rate links, map help and call scripts so you do not waste time in the wrong department.
Choose the Chicago DWM or Utility Billing Task You Need
Chicago Utility Billing vs Department of Water Management
| Task | Correct starting point | Why this matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pay water/sewer/garbage/tax bill | Department of Finance Utility Billing / utilitybill.chicago.gov | DWM operates the water/sewer system, but Finance handles utility bill collection and billing support. |
| Set AutoPay, SelectPay, paperless billing or payment plan | Online Account Management | These are account-management tools inside the City utility portal. |
| Water leak, water on street, basement water, sewer issue | 311 / 312-744-5000 | DWM service requests are routed through Chicago 311. |
| Non-billing water concern | 311, 312-744-6635 or watermanagement@cityofchicago.org | Use DWM contact only for non-billing water service concerns. |
| Water service permit or lead service line replacement permit waiver | City permit / water service permit route | Construction, lead service line work and water service permits are not ordinary bill-payment tasks. |
Chicago Department of Water Management and Utility Billing Contacts
| Need | Official detail | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Billing Customer Service | 312-744-4426 | Billing questions, password help, payment questions, bill copy, payment plan, phone payment and account support. |
| Quick Pay / Online Account | utilitybill.chicago.gov | Pay bill, paperless billing, AutoPay, SelectPay and payment plan. |
| 311 non-emergency service | 311 or 312-744-5000 | Water on street, basement water, sewer cleaning, sewer cave-in, check for leak and water service requests. |
| DWM non-billing contact | 312-744-6635; watermanagement@cityofchicago.org | Non-billing water concerns and DWM routing. |
| DWM main office | Jardine Water Treatment Plant, 1000 E Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611 | Department reference; confirm visitor rules before going. |
| DWM fax | 312-744-7119 | DWM administrative document routing when directed by the City. |
| Water service permit info | City water service permit / buildings permit route | New water service work, lead service line replacement and construction-related water permit questions. |
Chicago Utility Bill Login and Quick Pay
The City’s Online Account Management page says customers can pay bills, enroll in paperless billing, set up AutoPay or SelectPay, and set up a payment plan. Quick Pay lets users make a payment without signing in.
Open the official login page
Choose login or Quick Pay
Use login for account tools such as paperless billing, AutoPay, SelectPay and payment plan. Use Quick Pay if you only need to make a payment without signing in.
Save payment proof
Save confirmation number, payment date, amount, account number and receipt until the balance updates.
Chicago Water Bill Payment Options
| Payment route | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Online account login | Pay bill, enroll paperless billing, set AutoPay/SelectPay and set payment plan. | Full account management and recurring payment tools. |
| Quick Pay | Make a payment without signing in. | Fast one-time payment. |
| Phone | Call 312-744-4426 and follow automated phone payment instructions. | Payment when you prefer phone or cannot use online portal. |
| City of Chicago Utility Billing, P.O. Box 6330, Chicago, IL 60680-6330. | Non-urgent check or money order payment. | |
| In person | City payment centers and payment stations are listed through official Finance/utility payment resources. | When you need in-person help or cash/check/card support. |
Pay by Phone or Mail: What to Have Ready
Phone payment
Call 312-744-4426 and use the automated phone system. Have your account number, payment method and service address ready.
Mail payment
Mail to City of Chicago Utility Billing, P.O. Box 6330, Chicago, IL 60680-6330. Include your account number.
Payment Plans, AutoPay and SelectPay
The official online account page lists payment-plan setup, AutoPay and SelectPay as account-management options. Use login rather than Quick Pay when you need these tools.
| Tool | Use it when | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Payment plan | You have a past-due balance or cannot pay the full amount immediately. | Log in to utilitybill.chicago.gov or call 312-744-4426. |
| AutoPay | You want automatic recurring utility bill payment. | Set up inside Online Account Management. |
| SelectPay | You want a scheduled payment option instead of immediate manual payment. | Use Online Account Management options. |
| Paperless billing | You want to view bills online instead of paper mail. | Enroll after logging in. |
Chicago Utility Billing Relief: Lower Rate, No Penalties and Debt Forgiveness
The City’s Utility Billing Relief page says UBR is intended to make water and sewer bills more affordable for qualifying Chicago residents.
Water and Sewer Service Requests: Use Chicago 311 First
Chicago DWM service requests for flooding, water issues and sewer issues are routed through 311, 311.chicago.gov or Chicago’s 311 service system.
| Problem | Best route | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Water on street | Create a Water on Street 311 request. | Exact location, whether it followed rain, hazard details and photos if safe. |
| Water in basement | Create a Water in Basement 311 request. | Address, basement condition, backup source, active flooding, safety hazards. |
| Possible private leak | Call 311 or 312-744-5000 for Check for Leak request. | Account address, meter/leak signs, plumber notes, high bill details. |
| Sewer cave-in or sinkhole | Create a Sewer Cave-In Inspection request. | Exact location, street/alley, size, safety hazard and photos if safe. |
| Sewer cleaning inspection | Create a Sewer Cleaning Inspection request. | Address, drainage symptoms, plumber/rodding notes and affected fixtures. |
Water Leaks, Basement Water, Sewer Cleaning and Private Drain Repair
Active water/sewer hazard
Use 311 for non-emergency City service requests. If there is immediate danger, use emergency services.
Private drain issue
Chicago’s Private Drain Program applies only when qualifying broken sewer drain tiles are under the public way and required contractor/inspection steps are followed.
| Issue type | Likely next step | Do not do this |
|---|---|---|
| High bill and suspected leak | Call 311 for Check for Leak and call Utility Billing about bill/payment plan. | Do not wait through multiple billing cycles without reporting. |
| Water on street | Use Water on Street 311 request. | Do not open valves or enter flooded road areas. |
| Basement water | Use Water in Basement 311 request and separate sewer cleaning/cave-in request if needed. | Do not mix electrical hazards and standing water. |
| Sewer drain tile under public way | Review Private Drain Program and schedule required inspector review through correct process. | Do not assume all private sewer work is City-paid. |
Chicago Water and Sewer Rates: Where to Verify Before Publishing Numbers
The City’s Water and Sewer Rates page lists the official rate schedule and annual changes. For 2026, use that page rather than copying old rate numbers from an old bill, blog or PDF.
| Rate item | Where to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Water rate | Official Water and Sewer Rates page | Rates can change annually and bills may include multiple components. |
| Sewer rate | Official Water and Sewer Rates page | Sewer charges can mirror or relate to water usage depending on account type. |
| Water-sewer tax | Utility bill and official Finance billing pages | Bill total can include water, sewer, tax, garbage and penalties. |
| Metered vs non-metered billing | Bill detail and Utility Billing Customer Service | Billing method affects how the customer reads usage and charges. |
Water Service Permits, New Connections and Lead Service Line Work
Water service permits and lead service line replacement work are not the same as paying a utility bill. Use the official permit route before starting construction, tap, meter or service-line work.
| Need | Best route | Prepare this |
|---|---|---|
| Water service permit | City water service permit page / Department of Buildings permit route | Property address, contractor details, scope, plans and service-line details. |
| Lead service line replacement | Official lead service line replacement / permit waiver route | Owner information, licensed contractor, permit needs and service-line details. |
| New construction water service | Permit, buildings and DWM/engineering route | Permit number, project address, plans, meter/service size and inspection needs. |
| Private drain repair | Private Drain Program process | Licensed sewer contractor, rodding/video inspection and inspector appointment. |
Water Quality Reports, Lead Test Requests and Service-Line Questions
Annual water quality
Use Chicago’s official Consumer Confidence Report / Water Quality Reports page for drinking water testing and annual quality information.
Lead test visit or kit
Chicago 311 includes Water Lead Test Visit and Water Lead Test Kit request routes for residents concerned about lead in drinking water.
| Concern | Best route | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Annual water quality | Water Quality Reports / Consumer Confidence Reports | Year/report needed and address if comparing local concerns. |
| Lead in water | 311 Water Lead Test Visit or Water Lead Test Kit request | Address, contact details, plumbing/service-line info if known. |
| Lead service line replacement | Official replacement program or permit waiver page | Property ownership, contractor and service-line material details. |
| Taste, odor or discoloration | 311/DWM non-billing water concern | When noticed, hot/cold difference, all fixtures vs one fixture, photos if visible. |
What to Say When Calling Chicago Utility Billing, 311 or DWM
| Situation | Say this | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Pay or billing question | “I need help with a City of Chicago utility bill.” | Account number, service address, bill date, due date and payment confirmation if any. |
| Login problem | “I need help accessing Online Account Management or resetting my password.” | Username/email, account number, service address and phone number. |
| Payment plan | “I need to set up or review a utility bill payment plan.” | Balance, account number, payment amount you can make and final notice details. |
| Water on street | “I need to report water on the street at this exact location.” | Address/cross street, whether it followed rain, safety hazards and photos if safe. |
| Basement water / sewer backup | “I need to report water in basement or a sewer backup.” | Address, affected area, active flooding, sewer smell, plumber notes and time started. |
| Permit / new connection | “I need the correct water service permit or new connection route for this property.” | Property address, permit number, contractor, project type and service-line details. |
Chicago Department of Water Management Map and Office Caution
Chicago Department of Water Management – Jardine Water Treatment Plant
Department address: 1000 E Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
DWM phone: 312-744-6635.
Billing phone: 312-744-4426.
311: Call 311 or 312-744-5000 for service requests.
Official Chicago DWM and Utility Billing Links
Online Account Management
Pay bill, paperless billing, AutoPay, SelectPay and payment plan.
Open LoginPay Utility Bill
Official City page for online, phone, mail and in-person payment routes.
Open Pay Utility BillUtility Billing Relief
Reduced rates, no penalties, no debt collection and debt forgiveness after completion.
Open UBRWater Service Permits
Water service permits and lead service line replacement permit fee waiver details.
Open PermitsWater Quality Reports
Consumer Confidence Reports and annual drinking water quality information.
Open ReportsDepartment of Water Management Chicago Bill Pay and Service FAQs
Is Chicago Department of Water Management the bill payment office?
No. DWM handles water and sewer system service. Department of Finance Utility Billing handles utility bill payments and billing customer service.
How do I pay my Chicago water bill online?
Use utilitybill.chicago.gov. Log in for full account management, or use Quick Pay to make a payment without signing in.
What can I do inside Online Account Management?
The portal lists bill payment, paperless billing, AutoPay, SelectPay and payment plan setup.
What is the Chicago utility billing phone number?
Call 312-744-4426 for billing questions, automated phone payment and account assistance.
Where do I mail my Chicago utility bill payment?
Mail payment to City of Chicago Utility Billing, P.O. Box 6330, Chicago, IL 60680-6330. Include your account number.
Who do I call for a water leak or sewer issue?
Call 311 or 312-744-5000, or create the correct service request at 311.chicago.gov. For non-billing DWM concerns, DWM also lists 312-744-6635.
How do I report water in my basement?
Use Chicago 311 and select the Water in Basement service type. If you also need sewer cleaning or sewer cave-in inspection, file the separate matching 311 request.
How do I request a check for leak?
Chicago 311 states that the only way for residents to request a Check for Leak service request is to call 311 or 312-744-5000.
Does Chicago offer utility bill relief?
Yes. Utility Billing Relief is intended to make water and sewer bills more affordable for qualifying Chicago residents. The program lists a 50% rate reduction, no penalties or debt collection on past-due debt, and debt forgiveness after successfully completing one year.
Where can I find current Chicago water and sewer rates?
Use the official City of Chicago Water and Sewer Rates page. Do not rely on old bills or third-party pages for current rates.
Who handles water service permits?
Use the official City water service permit route. For construction, new connection, service-line or lead service line work, confirm permit requirements before hiring or starting work.
Where is the Chicago DWM office?
The DWM main office is listed at the Jardine Water Treatment Plant, 1000 E Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Confirm visitor rules before going, because utility billing issues should usually go through Finance Utility Billing instead.
Best Way to Use the Chicago Department of Water Management Page
This page is built for Chicago users who need the right office fast. It separates billing, payment, 311 service requests, water management contact, water quality, permits, rates and relief programs so the visitor can act without reading a long generic article.
Editorial note: This independent guide summarizes official City of Chicago Department of Water Management, Department of Finance Utility Billing, 311 and utility portal resources for easier public use. Payment portal screens, phone routing, mail addresses, payment-plan rules, assistance eligibility, water/sewer rates, permits, office access and service-request categories can change. Confirm final details on official chicago.gov, utilitybill.chicago.gov, chipay.chicago.gov or 311.chicago.gov pages before paying, applying, mailing documents, requesting service or starting construction work.