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Public Utilities

Request an Installment Plan

If you need assistance paying your water/wastewater bill, you can request an installment plan for your account’s outstanding balance.

An installment plan allows your outstanding balance to be paid in installments of equal amounts with your current water/wastewater charges. The payment installments are due on the same date as your current charges for water/wastewater services and are listed as “Deferred Due” on subsequent bills.

Installment plans are offered with the following provisions:

  • Installment plans may extend for no more than 18 bill periods.
  • For accounts that are billed monthly, the installment plan will be in place for 36 months, which is 36 monthly bill periods.
  • For accounts that are billed bi-monthly, the installment plan will be in place for 36 months, which is 18 bi-monthly bill periods.
  • If you close your water/wastewater account, the unpaid amount remaining on your installment plan will become immediately due and payable in full, unless you establish a new account at a different location serviced by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department. In these instances, the outstanding installment plan balance will be transferred to the new account, and you will have an opportunity to establish a new installment plan.

Submit a Request for an Installment Plan

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Account holder name
  • Service address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Submit a Request

Request by Phone

If you prefer, you can request an installment plan by phone. NOTE: You may experience longer than normal hold times due to staffing shortages.

Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on City holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I be on an installment plan?

Your outstanding balance can be spread across equal payments up to 3 years.

How does the installment plan work?

Once your installment plan has been established, your outstanding balance will be listed on your invoice as a "deferred" balance. You will have to pay the current charges plus the amount agreed to for your installment plan balance.

When does my installment plan start?

Once you receive confirmation that your installment plan has been established, your installment plan amount will be included in your next billing cycle.

What if I cannot pay my installment plan amount and the current charges on my bill?

Both will be added to your next billing invoice and will be listed as a “Past Due” amount.

What happens if I am moving and need to close my account and open a new account at my new home, and cannot afford to pay off my installment plan?

If you are moving to an address serviced by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, your installment plan balance will be transferred your new account. If you are moving to an address not serviced by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, the installment plan amount will be due in full as indicated on your final billing statement.

Can I have autopay set up for my installment plan?

Yes. Please contact the Customer Support Division at 619-515-3500 and a team member will assist you. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

For my installment plan, can I pay what I can afford instead of a specific amount?

Yes, however, your installment plan payments cannot be less than $50 for bi-monthly billing and $25 for monthly billing.