Palm Springs Water Utility Help: Pay, Log In, Call, Start Service or Report Trouble
Use this page like a quick utility desk. It covers Desert Water Agency water service, myDWA bill pay, phone payments, account-number changes, sewer emergency routing, high bills, water waste, assistance, rebates, water quality, and the correct map location.
Start Here: What Do You Need?
Palm Springs users usually need one of four routes: DWA for water bills/service, City of Palm Springs for sanitary sewer emergencies, California Water Boards for serious water complaints, or DigAlert before digging.
| Searcher intent | Correct official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay water bill without login | myDWA Quick Pay | New DWA account number from bill. | Quick Pay does not require registration, but you still need account details. |
| Log in / create myDWA account | www.mydwa.org | Valid email, new DWA account number, six-digit customer number. | Existing users had to create a new account after the 2025 billing-system change. |
| Pay by phone | 833-742-4416 | New DWA account number and customer number. | DWA says this is the new phone-payment number for checking account or credit card payments. |
| Billing/account help | 760-323-4971 or customersupport@dwa.org | Bill copy, payment proof, service address, customer number. | For payment plans call 760-323-4971 ext. 129. |
| Water leak / water waste / emergency | 760-323-4971 | Exact location, cross street, photo if safe, time started. | For water waste: push 0 during business hours or after-hours option shown by DWA. |
| Sanitary sewer emergency | City of Palm Springs: 760-323-8166, dial 0; after hours 760-272-6127. | Address, fixture affected, whether sewage is backing up inside or outside. | Private lateral from home to main is usually property-owner responsibility. |
| Start or stop service | DWA Start/Stop Service | Owner/tenant status, move date, service address, contact info. | New accounts have a $30 account-establishment fee. |
| Digging, fence, tree, irrigation, pool, sewer lateral work | DigAlert, call 811 or 800-422-4133. | White-marked work area, address, project date, contractor details. | California requires notice at least two working days before excavation; notification day does not count. |
Fast warning: if service is scheduled for shutoff, do not only pay online and leave. Pay through an official DWA route, save the confirmation, then call DWA to confirm whether service is protected today.
Official Desert Water Agency Contact Box
Main office
Desert Water Agency
1200 S. Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: 760-323-4971
Email: customersupport@dwa.org
Mailing address
Desert Water Agency
P.O. Box 1710
Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710
Use this for check payments with payment slip. Do not mail cash.
Hours and service area
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed holidays.
DWA provides water service in Palm Springs and Cathedral City and manages groundwater in the western Coachella Valley.
Active services
DWA reports about 24,000 active services.
Pipelines
About 425 miles of pipeline in the water system.
Wells
27 active wells pump into the system.
Main source
About 95% of drinkable water is pumped from deep wells.
myDWA Login, Quick Pay and New Account Number Rules
Quick Pay
- Use for one-time payment.
- No account registration needed.
- You need your account number.
- Save confirmation before closing.
myDWA account
- View water use history.
- Track and manage bills.
- Pay bills online.
- Sign up for AutoPay and e-billing.
2025 portal change
- Old account numbers were 9 digits.
- New account number is first 8 digits.
- New customer number is 6 digits.
- Bank bill pay should use account-customer format.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Pay | myDWA Customer Portal Quick Pay. | One-time payment without logging in. | Using an old account number after the portal change. |
| myDWA login | www.mydwa.org; register with valid email, account number and customer number. | Water use history, AutoPay, e-billing, multiple account management. | Typing email in sign-in box before creating an account; use “Create an Account.” |
| Phone payment | Call 833-742-4416. | Checking account or credit card payment by phone. | Calling the old phone-payment number; DWA says prior Paymentus method ended after March 10, 2025. |
| Bank bill pay | Use eight-digit account number and six-digit customer number separated by dash. Example format: 12345678-789101. | Customers who pay through their bank. | Failing to update bank bill-pay details after the new bill/account change. |
| AutoPay | Existing AutoPay continued, but changing payment info or adding credit card AutoPay requires re-enrollment in the portal. | Recurring payment and late-fee prevention. | Assuming stored card details are fine after ZIP code validation requirements. |
| In person | Cash, check or credit card at 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail during office hours. | Users who need counter help or receipt. | Arriving outside 8 AM-5 PM weekday office hours. |
| Drop box | “Water Tower” payment drop box in visitor parking lot. Collected at 8 AM Monday-Friday. Check payments only. | After-hours check payment. | Putting cash in the drop box or forgetting payment slip. |
| Mail check and payment slip to Desert Water Agency, P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710. | Normal bills with enough mailing time. | Mailing cash or using mail when shutoff is close. |
Emergency Routing: Water, Sewer, Waste, Pressure or Digging
DWA water emergency
Call: 760-323-4971
DWA says phone service is available 24/7 in an emergency; leave a message for standby personnel if after hours.
Before digging
DigAlert: 811 or 800-422-4133
Use before posts, fences, trees, irrigation, trenching, sewer lateral or pool work.
| Problem | Call / report | Say this first | Property-owner note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water coming up from asphalt or street | DWA 760-323-4971. | “Water is coming up from pavement at [cross street/address].” | DWA says street-to-meter is maintained by DWA. |
| No water / major pressure loss | DWA 760-323-4971. | “No water at [address]. It affects [all taps/one area]. Neighbors [are/are not] affected.” | Check private shutoff only if safe. |
| Sewer backup | City sewer: 760-323-8166 dial 0; after hours 760-272-6127. | “Sewage is backing up at [fixture/location].” | City says lateral blockages/breaks from home to main are property-owner responsibility. |
| Water waste / runoff | Report Water Waste or call DWA. | “Runoff is occurring at [address/location] at [time].” | DWA says it does not share reporter information with reported parties. |
| Suspected contamination | DWA first; State Water Boards if unresolved. | “Color/odor/taste began at [time], affects [hot/cold/all taps], photo available.” | Follow official boil-water or do-not-drink notices immediately. |
Sewer safety: avoid contact with wastewater, stop using fixtures if backup is rising, keep children and pets away, and document damage only when safe.
Start, Stop or Transfer Palm Springs Water Service
Start service
- Every residential and commercial property needs a service application.
- New accounts receive a $30 account-establishment fee on the first bill.
- Owners must set up accounts even if property is rented or leased.
- Tenant billing requires owner authorization; owner remains responsible for unpaid charges.
Realtor / agent setup
- Complete request as property owner/authorized agent.
- Provide listing agreement.
- $100 deposit plus $30 establishment fee must be paid upfront.
- Service will not be turned on until required setup is complete.
Stop service
- Submit stop request online or by printable form.
- Service is turned off the morning of the date you choose.
- Give forwarding address.
- Confirm AutoPay and final bill handling.
| Account type | Deposit / setup detail | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Residential owner | $30 account-establishment fee on first bill. | Use DWA start-service form and keep confirmation. |
| Residential tenant | Owner may authorize tenant direct billing; owner remains responsible for unpaid charges. | Coordinate with property owner before applying. |
| Realtor / authorized agent | $100 deposit plus $30 establishment fee upfront, plus listing agreement. | Start service as property owner/authorized agent. |
| Commercial 5/8×3/4” meter | $100 deposit listed. | Contact DWA if meter size or business type is uncertain. |
| Commercial 1” meter | $100 deposit listed. | Confirm with DWA before opening account. |
| Commercial 1½” meter | $150 deposit listed. | Prepare business/property details. |
| Commercial 2”+ meter | $200 deposit listed. | Confirm meter size and first-bill charges. |
Official forms:
Rates, Sewer Charges and Bill Items Searchers Ask About
Water unit
100 cubic feet equals 748 gallons.
Volumetric rate
$2.75 per 100 cubic feet for regular DWA water use.
Chino Creek area
$8.46 per 100 cubic feet listed for Chino Creek area.
Late fee
DWA FAQ says a $25 late fee applies when bills are paid more than 7 calendar days past due.
| Bill / rate item | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 rate phase | DWA Board approved the fourth phase of a five-year rate plan on June 16, 2026. | Check current rates before estimating a future bill. |
| Recycled water | Updated recycled water rates went into effect July 1, 2026 and appear on August bills. | Commercial/irrigation users should review meter-size charges. |
| Potable water and wastewater service charge | New potable water and DWA wastewater service charge go into effect January 1, 2027 and appear on February 2027 bills. | Do not confuse July 2026 recycled rates with January 2027 potable-water rates. |
| Cathedral City residential sewer | DWA lists monthly treatment cost of $20.00-$31.96 and DWA sewer service charge of $8.03. | Check whether your location’s sewer treatment cost is pass-through from Palm Springs or CVWD. |
| Business / schools / apartments sewer | Treatment cost varies by sewer capacity and/or flow; DWA sewer service charge $8.03; grease trap charge $14.00 if applicable. | Call DWA if property type or sewer capacity is unclear. |
| Replenishment assessment | $255 per acre-foot for large groundwater pumpers with private wells, effective July 1, 2026. | Mostly relevant to large private well pumpers, not typical residential customers. |
| Recycled water unit rate | $0.79 per hundred cubic foot, effective July 1, 2026. | Useful for golf course, landscape and large irrigation accounts. |
Sewer routing note: in portions of DWA’s service area, DWA collects and sends sewage to the City of Palm Springs or Coachella Valley Water District for treatment. City of Palm Springs provides sewer service to city residents and businesses.
Palm Springs Sewer: City Contact, Emergency and Responsibility
Wastewater plant
Address:
4375 E. Mesquite Avenue
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Fax: 760-325-5747
Private lateral rule
City sewer page says blockages or breaks in the sanitary sewer lateral are the property owner’s responsibility from the home to the sanitary sewer main, including the portion under the street.
| Issue | Likely route | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage backing up inside home | Call City sewer emergency number first, then plumber if lateral issue is private. | Ask whether main line is affected before authorizing private lateral work. |
| Manhole overflow / sewer main issue | City sewer emergency. | City says main-line blockages will be cleared by Veolia personnel. |
| Street runoff / stormwater | City / Riverside County flood-control route depending location. | City says flood water and street runoff are not collected by sewage infrastructure. |
| Recycled water | DWA and City wastewater treatment connection. | City says about 75% of treated sewage is sent to DWA for further filtration/disinfection and reused for irrigation locations. |
High Bill, Leak, Meter or Irrigation Problem
Meter reality
DWA says water meters usually slow down or stop when they age, so a high bill is often a leak or excess irrigation rather than a fast meter.
Check use history
Sign up for eBilling/myDWA to compare water use with the same month in prior years.
Leak responsibility
DWA maintains street-to-meter. Customer/property owner is responsible from the other side of the meter, including piping and irrigation material.
| Check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Meter movement | Turn off all water inside/outside, check meter at curb/sidewalk, then see if the meter changes. | If meter changes when no water is running, you may have a leak. |
| Toilet leak | Put food coloring in tank, do not flush, wait 5-10 minutes. | Color in bowl points to worn flapper/seal leak. |
| Faucets / fittings | Check rubber washers, gaskets and pipe fittings for visible moisture. | Small drips add up in desert homes and seasonal properties. |
| Irrigation | Look for stuck valves, broken emitters, overspray, daylight evaporation, and runoff. | DWA says water waste can trigger citations. |
| Seasonal return | If plumbing sat unused, run cold water through faucets for several minutes before drinking or normal use. | DWA says stagnant private-property pipes can develop discoloration, microbes or mold. |
Dispute a Bill, Avoid Shutoff or Ask for a Payment Plan
Before shutoff
- Submit written dispute at least two business days before the shutoff date shown on the bill.
- DWA says water will not be turned off while a timely dispute or open Board appeal is under review.
- DWA responds in writing within 10 business days.
- If rejected, appeal instructions are provided in writing.
Payment plan / assistance
- Payment plan questions: 760-323-4971 ext. 129.
- Payment plan installments appear on monthly bill.
- DWA says it cannot offer discounted water rates or bill forgiveness due to California constitutional restrictions.
- H2O Help2Others may provide eligible customers a $200 annual bill credit.
| Situation | Best action | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Bill amount seems wrong | Use DWA dispute form or printed form. | Detailed reason, account number, meter photo, leak repair proof, prior usage, payment history. |
| DWA staff decision disputed | Submit dispute within 10 business days of decision. | Rebate decision, water waste citation, billing decision, written explanation. |
| Need paper dispute form | Call 760-323-4971 and press 0. | Ask for paper form and mailing/delivery instructions. |
| Appeal after rejected dispute | Submit appeal within 10 business days after DWA mails determination. | Written notice of appeal; attend Board meeting if scheduled. |
| Payment hardship | Call 760-323-4971 ext. 129. | Income situation, due amount, payment date, account details, H2O question. |
Water Quality, Restrictions, Rebates and Conservation Help
Water quality
DWA says it tests more than 2,500 samples a year and publishes results annually in its Water Quality Report.
Water waste rules
Restricted uses include runoff onto sidewalks/driveways, watering during and 48 hours after rain, and washing vehicles with running water unless using bucket/stop nozzle for rinsing.
Rebates
DWA rebate portal lists grass removal at $2 per square foot, smart controllers, irrigation nozzles, washing machines, and ultra-efficient toilets.
| Program / rule | Official detail | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Grass removal | DWA rebate portal lists $2 per square foot; City of Palm Springs turf conversion page says the City contributes $1 per square foot for approved participants, creating a combined $3 per square foot with no project-size limit when available. | Confirm funding before removing turf. |
| Smart irrigation | Rebate portal lists up to $250 for residential smart controllers and up to $10,750 for large-scale WiFi models/weather sensors. | Apply before purchase/installation if program requires approval. |
| Nozzles / irrigation heads | Rebate portal lists up to $7 per nozzle. | Use rotating spray heads or fixed-rate bubblers as eligible. |
| Washing machines | Rebate portal lists up to $250 for efficient models. | Check approved model list first. |
| Ultra-efficient toilets | Rebate portal lists up to $150 for 1.1 gpf or qualifying dual-flush models. | Save receipt and model documentation. |
| Report water waste | DWA asks for precise time and location details. | Use water waste form or call 760-323-4971. |
| Restrictions questions | Email Conservation@dwa.org or call 760-323-4971 ext. 279. | Ask before assuming watering time or turf rule changed. |
Official conservation links:
State, County and Digging Help
California LIHWAP status
California CSD says the federal LIHWAP water/sewer assistance deadline has passed and the program sunset on March 31, 2024. Do not rely on old LIHWAP application pages for new 2026 assistance.
Riverside County CAP
Community Action Partnership of Riverside County lists LIHEAP/SHARE utility assistance, call center 951-955-4900, and emergency walk-in hours for disconnected services.
State Water Board
For inappropriate water shutoff reports, the State Water Board contact page lists 916-449-5577. For environmental concerns, use CalEPA complaint routing.
DigAlert step 1
Pre-mark excavation area in white.
Step 2
Call 811 / 800-422-4133 or use DigAlert Direct.
Step 3
Wait two full working days; notification day does not count.
Step 4
Respect marks: blue water, purple reclaimed water, green sewer/storm drains.
Map: Desert Water Agency Office in Palm Springs
Use this map for DWA’s main office. For sewer emergencies, use the City sewer phone numbers above, not the DWA office map.
| Place | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Water Agency | 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264. 760-323-4971. | Water account, bill pay, in-person payment, water emergencies, conservation, rebates, customer service. |
| DWA mailing address | P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710. | Mail check payment with payment slip; no cash. |
| City Wastewater Treatment Plant | 4375 E. Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Sewer emergency 760-323-8166, dial 0. | Sanitary sewer emergency, wastewater plant, main-line sewer issue. |
| City of Palm Springs | 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. 760-323-8299. | City services, public works/engineering routing, sewer pages, stormwater and city contacts. |
| Community Action Partnership of Riverside County | 5555 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92504. 951-955-4900. | LIHEAP/SHARE utility assistance screening and emergency service-disconnection walk-in guidance. |
Palm Springs Water Utilities FAQ
Who provides water service in Palm Springs?
Desert Water Agency is the main water provider for Palm Springs. DWA also provides water service in Cathedral City and manages groundwater in the western Coachella Valley.
What is the Desert Water Agency phone number?
The main DWA phone number is 760-323-4971. DWA also uses this number for emergencies after hours, with standby personnel receiving messages.
How do I pay my Palm Springs water bill online?
Use the myDWA customer portal or Quick Pay. Quick Pay lets you make a one-time payment without registering, but you need your DWA account number.
What is the DWA phone-payment number?
Call 833-742-4416 to pay by phone using checking account or credit card. You need your new DWA account number and customer number from your bill.
Why can’t I log into my old myDWA account?
DWA updated bills and the myDWA portal in 2025. Existing customers had to create a new account using the new account number, six-digit customer number, valid email, and new portal sign-up process.
Where is Desert Water Agency located?
The physical office is 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1710, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710.
Who do I call for a Palm Springs sewer emergency?
For City of Palm Springs sanitary sewer emergencies, call 760-323-8166 and dial 0. The after-hours sewer emergency number is 760-272-6127.
How do I dispute a DWA bill?
Use the DWA dispute process. If water is scheduled for shutoff, a written dispute must be submitted at least two business days before the shutoff date shown on the bill.
Does DWA offer low-income discounts?
DWA says it cannot offer discounted water rates or bill credits/forgiveness because of California constitutional restrictions, but payment plans may be available and Help2Others may provide eligible customers a $200 annual bill credit.
When should I call DigAlert before digging?
Call 811 or 800-422-4133, or use DigAlert Direct, at least two working days before excavation. The notification day does not count. Use it before fences, posts, trees, irrigation, trenching, sewer-lateral work, and similar digging.
30-Second Palm Springs Water Checklist
Paying? myDWA Quick Pay → account number → confirmation number → call DWA if shutoff is close.
Logging in? use www.mydwa.org → create new portal account → account number + six-digit customer number + email.
Calling? DWA water/customer service 760-323-4971; phone payment 833-742-4416; City sewer emergency 760-323-8166 dial 0; after-hours sewer 760-272-6127.
High bill? compare myDWA usage, check meter movement, toilets, faucets, irrigation, seasonal-property plumbing, and DWA responsibility line.
Moving? start/stop service online; owners must set up accounts; stop service turns water off the morning of the selected date.