How to Pay Your EBMUD Water Bill
EBMUD payment basics
EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) serves water and wastewater to the East Bay area of California. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose affects when the payment posts and whether you pay a fee.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. EBMUD does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made through their official channels, but third-party payment services may charge you. Late payments trigger a 1.5% penalty on the unpaid balance after the due date passes.
If you set up automatic payments, EBMUD withdraws the amount from your bank account on the due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through EBMUD's website or app posts immediately and costs nothing, making it the fastest option.
- Phone payments (1-866-403-2683) also cost nothing but require you to have your account number and bank details ready.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to reach EBMUD, so send them early if your due date is near.
- Late payments add a 1.5% penalty to your balance and can lead to service shutoff if unpaid for 60 days.
- Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting, but you must track your balance yourself since the amount may vary month to month.
Paying online or through the EBMUD app
The fastest way to pay is through EBMUD's website (ebmud.org) or their mobile app. Log in with your account number and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. You will need your bank account or debit card information.
Online payments post the same day if you submit before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. Weekend and holiday payments post the next business day. There is no fee for paying this way through EBMUD's official system.
The app lets you view your bill history, see your current balance, and set up one-time or recurring payments from your phone. You can also receive bill reminders so you do not miss the due date.
Paying by phone
Call EBMUD's automated payment line at 1-866-403-2683. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and your bank account or debit card number. The system accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no fee.
Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. After-hours and weekend calls post the next business day. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to EBMUD and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. EBMUD's mailing address is typically listed at the bottom of your statement.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail—use online or phone payment instead. Sending payment early gives the post office time to deliver it before the due date.
Paying in person at a payment center
EBMUD operates payment centers in Oakland and Concord where you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Payments made in person post the same day. Call 1-866-403-2683 to confirm the location and hours of the center nearest you.
In-person payment is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. Bring your account number and the amount due.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account on the due date each month. Set this up through your online account or by calling 1-866-403-2683. You will need your routing number and account number from your bank.
The advantage is that you never miss a due date. The drawback is that your bill amount changes month to month (based on water use), so you must check your account regularly to make sure the correct amount is being withdrawn. You can pause or cancel automatic payments anytime.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you do not pay by the due date, EBMUD adds a 1.5% penalty to your unpaid balance. A second notice arrives about 15 days after the due date. If the bill remains unpaid for 60 days, EBMUD may shut off your water service.
If you cannot pay your full bill, contact EBMUD immediately at 1-866-403-2683. They offer payment plans for customers facing hardship. The sooner you call, the more options you have before shutoff occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's EBMUD bill?
Yes. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. If paying by check, write the account number clearly so EBMUD applies the payment to the correct account.
What if I pay online but the payment does not show up?
Check your confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. Online payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not appear, call 1-866-403-2683 with your confirmation number and they will trace it.
Does EBMUD accept credit card payments?
EBMUD does not accept credit cards directly through their website or phone line. You can use a debit card instead. Some third-party payment processors allow credit card payments but charge a fee—check the fee before you proceed.
Can I change my due date?
EBMUD sets your due date based on your meter reading schedule. You cannot change it, but you can pay early anytime. Paying before the due date avoids late fees and gives you flexibility if your income arrives on a different schedule.
What if my water bill is unusually high?
High bills usually mean higher water use that month (leaks, seasonal changes, or more people in the home). Contact EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683 to discuss your bill. They can review your usage history and check for leaks. Do not skip payment while investigating—late fees will add to your balance.