San Francisco Water Department 2026: Bill Pay, Phone & Start Service
Most people searching for the San Francisco Water Department need one practical answer fast: how to pay the SFPUC water bill, start or stop water and sewer service, find the account number, reach customer service, report a sewer backup or no-water problem, request bill relief, or use a hydrant for temporary water. This guide turns the official SFPUC pages into a scan-first checklist with phone numbers, hours, payment routes, deposit rules, emergency steps and official links.
Choose the San Francisco Water Task You Need
San Francisco Water Department Phone, Address and Hours
The official utility is the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, also called SFPUC. Use the correct number based on whether your issue is billing, emergency service, payment, or construction/hydrant water.
| Need | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Water/sewer customer service | 415-551-3000 | Bill questions, start/stop service, deposits, MyAccount, payment plans, CAP help. |
| Customer service email | customerservice@sfwater.org | Non-urgent account updates, document questions, written record. |
| Emergency/service problem | 3-1-1 inside SF; 415-701-2311 outside SF | No water, low pressure, sewer backup, flooding, catch basin issues, water color/taste/odor. |
| Automated phone payment | 844-737-8222 | Paying water/sewer bill by phone through automated provider. |
| SFPUC headquarters / customer counter | 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 | In-person payment, customer-service counter, CAP application support. |
| Counter hours | Customer Service & Cashier Counters: 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday except legal holidays | Walk-in payment or account help. |
| Phone/email assistance hours | 8am-5pm except Wednesdays, 9am-5pm, excluding legal holidays | Calling customer service outside counter hours. |
| SFPUC headquarters address | 525 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 | Main agency location and customer counter reference. |
How to Pay a San Francisco Water and Sewer Bill
SFPUC offers multiple payment routes. The best option depends on whether you want online access, a one-time card payment, automatic bank payment, phone payment, mail, walk-in service, a drop box, or cash payment through EZ-Pay locations.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MyAccount | Log into SFPUC BillPay/MyAccount to view and pay bills and check water usage. | Customers who want usage history, bill viewing and account access. |
| One-time EZ-Pay | Credit card, debit card, American Express, eCheck or eCash; credit/debit limit is $1,000 within a 30-day period. | Fast payment without full account setup. |
| Automatic payment | Sign up for automatic payment service or use directpaymentplan.com. | Avoiding missed due dates. |
| Phone payment | Call 844-737-8222 for automated payment service. | Customers who prefer phone payment. |
| Mail payment | Send check/money order payable to San Francisco Water to P.O. Box 7369, San Francisco, CA 94120-7369. Do not mail cash. | Non-urgent check or money order payment. |
| SFPUC counter | 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday excluding legal holidays. | Payment plus customer-service questions. |
| Drop box | Drop box is to the right of the main entrance at 525 Golden Gate; use checks only and do not leave cash. | After-hours check or money order drop-off. |
| City Hall Room 140 | Cash and check payments only, 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Place, 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday excluding legal holidays. | Downtown City Hall payment option. |
Use MyAccount to View Your Bill, Account Number and Water Usage
SFPUC’s MyAccount lets customers view and make payments online, reduce paper waste, see water usage data and conservation targets. Your account number is located at the top of your bill.
Find your account number
Look at the top of your SFPUC water and sewer bill. Keep it ready for MyAccount, customer service, billing inquiry and payment-plan calls.
Register or log in
Use MyAccount – Water to access bill pay, account information and usage details.
Check usage before calling about a high bill
Review usage patterns, recent leaks, irrigation, guests, repairs or property changes before calling customer service.
Use the billing inquiry form for bill-specific questions
SFPUC says bill-specific inquiries through its form receive a response within 2 business days.
How to Start San Francisco Water and Sewer Service
Starting SFPUC water and sewer service can be done online or by phone. Online requests are reviewed within 5 business days, and a Customer Service Representative contacts you to complete the request.
| Customer type | Information to prepare | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Residential customer | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, home/work phone, prior SF service address if any, other SFWD accounts, California driver license or California ID, close of escrow date if applicable. | Use the residential online request or call 415-551-3000. |
| Commercial customer | Applicant/business name, mailing address, service address, phone, owner/tenant status, prior SF service address if any, other SFWD accounts, federal tax ID, business type. | Use the commercial online request or call 415-551-3000. |
| Deposit | Deposit is approximately twice the estimated monthly water and sewer charges, minimum $50. | Ask the representative for the exact amount before paying. |
| Deposit return | Deposit plus interest is returned after one year of good payment history. | Keep payment history and deposit receipt. |
Stop Water and Sewer Service or Update Account Information
You can request stop service online or by phone. If you are simply updating mailing address or phone number, you can update through MyAccount, mail, email or phone. To change the name on the account, a new account must be established.
Stop service
Submit the official stop service request online or call 415-551-3000. Request must be made at least two business days before the requested stop date.
Update contact details
Use MyAccount, bill stub by mail, email customerservice@sfwater.org, or call 415-551-3000 to update mailing address or phone number.
Past-Due SFPUC Water Bills, Payment Plans and Shutoff Help
If you are behind, do not wait for a final notice. SFPUC has payment plans and bill-relief programs. Payment plans apply only to past-due balances, and future bills must still be paid separately.
| Past-due issue | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Payment plan | Request online or call 415-551-3000. | Have account number, account holder name, phone, service address, mailing address, requested months and payment method ready. |
| Future bills | Payment plan does not include future bills. | Keep paying new bills while plan covers old balance. |
| Late payment on plan | One late payment can cancel the plan unless you contact SFPUC before the payment date. | Call before missing a plan payment. |
| Confirmation | SFPUC says confirmation of a payment plan is sent within 1-2 weeks after information is provided. | Watch for calls from unknown numbers in case staff need more information. |
| Shutoff/liens policy | SFPUC provides translated policies and resources for customers with overdue bills. | Review shutoff policy and ask about bill relief or payment plan early. |
SFPUC Customer Assistance Program and Water Bill Discounts
SFPUC’s Customer Assistance Program offers eligible water and wastewater customers a discount. SFPUC states eligible customers may receive a 25% to 40% discount on water and sewer bills, depending on household income and program criteria.
| CAP item | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Discount | Eligible customers may receive 25% to 40% discount on water and wastewater bills. | Check income eligibility and apply before bills become unmanageable. |
| Apply online or mail | Apply online, print/mail an application, call for a mailed paper application, or apply in person. | Choose the easiest method and keep copies. |
| Processing time | SFPUC says to allow 3-4 weeks for processing. | Do not wait until the bill is already due. |
| Discount duration | Discount applies for 36 months, then customer must reapply or leave program if ineligible. | Put reapplication date on calendar. |
| Tenants | If the tenant is the SFPUC account holder, the tenant may enroll directly. | If landlord is the account holder, check eligibility details before applying. |
San Francisco Water, Sewer, Flooding or Service Emergency
SFPUC’s emergency/service-problem routing is simple: use 311. This includes water, sewer, power and streetlight emergencies or service problems.
| Problem | Use 311? | What to report |
|---|---|---|
| No water service | Yes | Address, unit, whether neighbors are affected, time noticed. |
| Low water pressure | Yes | Location, fixture affected, neighborhood pattern, recent work nearby. |
| Taste, odor or color issue | Yes | Color/odor, whether hot/cold water, time started, neighbors affected. |
| Sewer backup | Yes | Exact location, active backup, fixture affected, property damage risk. |
| Clogged catch basin or flooding | Yes | Intersection, depth, traffic risk, whether drain is blocked. |
| Wastewater odor | Yes | Address/intersection, odor strength, time noticed, nearby manholes/drains. |
Leak Alerts, High Water Use and Meter Safety
SFPUC publishes leak guidance and MyAccount usage tools. If your bill spikes, start with usage history, leak checks and customer service before assuming the bill is wrong.
Check these first
Toilets, irrigation, hose bibs, water heater relief pipe, underground lines, outdoor taps, running fixtures, construction work and vacant-unit usage.
Do not open meter equipment
SFPUC says water meters should only be accessed by skilled SFPUC field staff to prevent injury and equipment damage.
Check MyAccount usage
Use online usage information to spot unusual continuous water use or sudden changes.
Fix obvious leaks quickly
Toilet flappers, irrigation valves and hose bib leaks can waste water quietly and increase sewer charges.
Ask for a courtesy site visit if needed
SFPUC’s meter page says customers can request a courtesy site visit by contacting the Customer Care Center at 415-551-3000.
Use 311 for emergency/service problems
If there is no water, low pressure, flooding, sewer backup, wastewater odor or water color/taste/odor concern, use 311 or 415-701-2311.
San Francisco Hydrant Meter Permit for Temporary Water
SFPUC allows approved temporary use of low-pressure fire hydrants for limited purposes such as general construction, filmmaking, special events and mobile sanitation services. A permit is required, and hydrant meter equipment is SFPUC property.
| Hydrant item | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Permit seekers must submit an application and provide requested information. | Do not use a hydrant before SFPUC approval. |
| Allowed duration | Permit may allow temporary use for up to 6 months, with opportunity for one 6-month renewal. | Plan renewal before expiration. |
| Equipment | Use only SFPUC-authorized hydrant meter equipment provided by SFWD CDD Meter Shop. | Do not use non-SFPUC equipment or hard-pipe plumbing. |
| Specific hydrant | Equipment must be used only at the location specified in the permit. | Do not move equipment to another hydrant. |
| Meter readings | Permittee must report meter readings every 2 months on the permit schedule. | Calendar reporting dates and keep photos/records. |
| Return deadline | Return all hydrant meter equipment no later than 5 calendar days after permit end date. | Return on time to avoid issues with charges or permit compliance. |
| Customer service phone | Hydrant page lists Customer Service Phone as 415-551-4770 for hydrant use support hours. | Use for hydrant-specific questions. |
New Water Service Installation, Capacity Charges and Developer Routing
For new construction, additional water service, irrigation service or capacity issues, do not use the normal residential start-service route. SFPUC’s Service Installations and Capacity Charges pages route projects through building permits, DBI, SFFD approvals and SFPUC review.
| Project item | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Water service installation | Applicants must acquire San Francisco DBI and SFFD permits/approvals before applying for SFPUC services. | Do not begin with customer billing if it is a physical installation project. |
| Capacity charges | Rate is based on the date SFPUC staff at DBI receives permit application and building plans. | Submit complete plans and confirm timing. |
| Annual adjustment | Capacity charge adjusted annually every July 1 based on Engineering News-Record index. | Do not rely on last year’s fee schedule for a new permit timeline. |
| Permit Center | SFPUC staff are located at San Francisco Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor. | Use developer/project route for installations and capacity questions. |
| Capacity phone | Capacity charge page lists 628-652-6040 for additional information. | Call before submitting incomplete plans. |
What to Say When Calling SFPUC or 311
Use short wording so staff can route your call quickly.
| Situation | Say this | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Pay or view bill | “I need help with my SFPUC water and sewer bill or MyAccount login.” | Account number, service address, bill date, payment confirmation. |
| Start service | “I need to start water and sewer service at [address].” | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, ID, phone, escrow date if applicable. |
| Stop service | “I need to stop water and sewer service at [address] on [date].” | Applicant name, mailing address, service address, phone, requested stop date. |
| Payment plan | “I need a payment plan for a past-due SFPUC water and sewer balance.” | Account number, account holder name, phone, service address, requested months, payment method. |
| Emergency | “I am reporting a water/sewer emergency or service problem at [location].” | Address/intersection, issue type, active flow/backflow, hazards, callback number. |
| Hydrant meter | “I need a temporary hydrant use permit and SFPUC hydrant meter equipment.” | Project type, hydrant location, duration, applicant, permit purpose, billing contact. |
| New installation | “I need water service installation or capacity charge guidance for a DBI permit project.” | DBI permit, plans, service size, fixture count, project address, SFFD/DBI approvals. |
SFPUC Customer Service Map and Visit Checklist
Use this map for SFPUC headquarters and customer service/cashier counter visits. For emergencies, do not visit first—call 3-1-1 or 415-701-2311.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Address: 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 1st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Counter hours: 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday excluding legal holidays.
SFPUC Account and Emergency Help Resource
No YouTube embed is included. Use the official SFPUC and SF311 pages for current account and emergency instructions.
Use Official SFPUC Pages Before Paying or Reporting
Payment portals, emergency reporting, service requests and assistance programs can change. Start from SFPUC or SF311 instead of search ads.
Safe Account Route
Use MyAccount for bill viewing, payment and usage; use SF311 for emergencies and service problems.
Official SFPUC Links Used in This Guide
SFPUC Main Website
Main official website for San Francisco water, power and sewer services.
Open SFPUCAccounts & Services
Start/stop service, bills, payment options, bill relief, rates and water quality links.
Open Accounts & ServicesPayment Method Options
MyAccount, EZ-Pay, phone payment, mail, in-person payment, drop box and cash locations.
Open Payment OptionsStart or Stop Service
Residential/commercial start service, deposits, account updates and stop service process.
Open Start/Stop ServiceReading Your Bill
Account number, customer class, bill inquiry form, MyAccount and emergency reporting guidance.
Open Bill GuideCustomer Assistance Program
Water/wastewater bill discounts, income verification, application methods and renewal timing.
Open CAPPayment Plan
Past-due payment plans, required information, confirmation timing and plan rules.
Open Payment PlanSF311
Report water, sewer, flooding, catch basin, odor and other city service problems.
Open SF311Hydrant Meters
Temporary hydrant use, permit, rules, meter equipment and reporting requirements.
Open Hydrant MetersWater Service Installation
New service installation routing, DBI/SFFD approvals and SFPUC installation process.
Open Installation PageCapacity Charges
Capacity charges, permit center routing, annual July 1 adjustment and project resources.
Open Capacity ChargesContact SFPUC
Headquarters address, emergency hotline and official agency contact route.
Open Contact PageSan Francisco Water Department FAQs
What is the San Francisco Water Department called officially?
The official agency is the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, commonly called SFPUC. It provides San Francisco water, power and sewer services.
What phone number do I call for a water or sewer bill question?
Call SFPUC Customer Services at 415-551-3000, or email customerservice@sfwater.org for non-urgent account help.
Where is SFPUC customer service located?
SFPUC customer service and cashier counters are located on the 1st Floor at 525 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
How do I pay my San Francisco water bill by phone?
Call 844-737-8222 for SFPUC’s automated water/sewer 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.
How do I start San Francisco water and sewer service?
Use SFPUC’s Start or Stop Service page to request service online, or call 415-551-3000. Online requests are reviewed within 5 business days, and a representative contacts you to complete the request.
Does SFPUC require a deposit to start service?
Yes. SFPUC says the deposit is approximately twice the estimated monthly water and sewer charges, but not less than $50. Deposit plus interest is returned after one year of good payment history.
Who do I call for no water, low pressure or sewer backup?
Call 3-1-1 inside San Francisco or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco. You can also report through sf311.org.
Can I get a payment plan for an overdue SFPUC bill?
Yes. Request a payment plan online or call 415-551-3000. Payment plans cover past-due balances only, and future bills must still be paid separately.
Does SFPUC offer a discount for low-income customers?
Yes. SFPUC’s Customer Assistance Program offers eligible water/wastewater customers a 25% to 40% discount. Processing may take 3-4 weeks, and approved discounts last 36 months before reapplication is required.
Can contractors use San Francisco fire hydrants for temporary water?
Only with SFPUC approval. Temporary hydrant use requires an application, fees, a permit, SFPUC-issued hydrant meter equipment, meter reading reports, and compliance with SFPUC hydrant use rules.
Can I access or open my SFPUC water meter?
No. SFPUC says water meters should only be accessed by skilled SFPUC field staff to prevent injury and damage to SFPUC equipment. Call 415-551-3000 if you need a meter check.
Best Way to Handle a San Francisco Water Department Issue
For faster help, keep your SFPUC account number, service address, bill date, payment confirmation, start/stop date, ID details, CAP documents, payment-plan request, or emergency location ready before contacting SFPUC or 311.
Editorial note: This guide summarizes official San Francisco Public Utilities Commission resources for easier public use. Official phone hours, counter hours, payment providers, fees, deposit rules, CAP eligibility, hydrant permit rules, installation requirements and emergency routing can change. Confirm final details on official sfpuc.gov, myaccount-water.sfpuc.org and sf311.org pages before paying, applying, reporting, using a hydrant or making service decisions.