Water bill payment methods and automatic plans in Waterloo, Ontario

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Waterloo issues water bills every two months. Use the seven-digit water account number for banking. Automatic payments start with the next bill, so pay the current bill separately when enrolling.

Key information

Waterloo issues water bills every two months. Use the seven-digit water account number for banking. Automatic payments start with the next bill, so pay the current bill separately when enrolling.

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Payment options and online charges

Payment options and online charges
MethodPublished charge or condition
Online bank-account paymentNo fee
Online debit0.75% fee
Online credit1.75% fee
In-person counterCash, debit or cheque
Drop box or mailCheque only; no cash

Sources: Water account payments and updates

Your next steps

Apply for or change automatic payment
  1. Prepare

    Clear any outstanding balance.

  2. Contact or apply

    Apply separately for each metered account.

  3. Complete the next step

    Request changes or cancellation in writing at least 30 days before the next payment.

Sources: Water account payments and updates

Apply for or change automatic payment

  1. Clear any outstanding balance. Prepare account number, property and contact details, banking information, a void-cheque photo or bank debit form, and all owner names. Corporate owners also provide incorporation or management documentation.
  2. Apply separately for each metered account. The full bill amount is withdrawn on the due date, starting with the next bill.
  3. Request changes or cancellation in writing at least 30 days before the next payment. Cancellation can be emailed to preauthorized@waterloo.ca or requested at City Hall.

Sources: Water account payments and updates

Banking, counter and cheque instructions

For bank payment, use the seven-digit account without spaces or decimals. Payee names can be Waterloo water or Waterloo city water. Allow banking processing time; the page’s three-business-day sentence says “tax bill” inside its water instructions, so ask Revenue to confirm the intended deadline rather than treating that wording as a separate water guarantee.

Counter payments are at City Hall and Waterloo Service Centre, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring the full bill. The City Hall drop box is at William Street; put the account number on the cheque and include the payment stub.

Two returned bank payments in one year cancel pre-authorized enrolment, with return charges and penalties. Revenue help is 519-747-8718 or revenue@waterloo.ca.

Sources: Water account payments and updates

Questions and answers

How often are water bills issued?

Every two months.

Source: Water account payments and updates

How many digits is the banking account reference?

Seven, with no spaces or decimals.

Source: Water account payments and updates

What is the online credit-card fee?

1.75%.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Is online bank-account payment charged?

The page lists no fee.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Will a new automatic plan pay the bill already issued?

No. It starts with the next bill; pay the current bill another way.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Can I enroll with an unpaid balance?

No. The outstanding balance must first be paid in full.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Can one application cover all my metered accounts?

No. Submit a separate application for each.

Source: Water account payments and updates

How much notice is needed for bank changes or cancellation?

At least 30 days before the next payment.

Source: Water account payments and updates

What happens after two returned payments in a year?

Pre-authorized enrolment is cancelled, and charges or penalties can apply.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Can I mail cash?

No. Mail a cheque and the invoice portion; do not send cash.

Source: Water account payments and updates

Sources: Water account payments and updates

Official services and applications