Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington Water bills are determined by customer type—residential or non-residential—and location, inside or outside Wilmington city limits. See the definitions below for further details. Click here for more information on Understanding Your Bill.

• Residential Customers - Properties primarily used for dwelling purposes, such as single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums.
• Non-Residential Customers - Properties used for commercial, industrial, institutional, or other non-dwelling purposes. This category includes businesses, factories, schools, and government buildings.
• Inside City Limits - Customers whose properties are located within the official boundaries of the City of Wilmington. These customers are subject to the City's standard water rates and fees.
• Outside City Limits - Customers whose properties are located outside the official boundaries of the City of Wilmington but still receive water services from the City's water utilities.

Experiencing an unexpectedly high water bill can be frustrating and concerning, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. Find information below to help you identify potential reasons and solutions.

Common Causes of High Water Bills

• Leaks – Hidden leaks in toilets, faucets, outdoor hoses, or underground pipes can lead to unexpected spikes in water usage. 
• Running Toilets – A continuously running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day.   
• Irrigation Systems – Overwatering lawns or malfunctioning sprinkler systems can significantly increase water consumption.  
• Seasonal Usage – Warmer months often lead to higher water use due to gardening, pools, and outdoor activities.  
• Faulty Appliances – Older or malfunctioning dishwashers and washing machines may use more water than necessary.  

If you're experiencing an unusually high bill, checking for leaks and monitoring usage patterns can help. You can also visit Manage Your Account page for more details on rates and assistance programs.

• Find more information on our Manage Your Usage page.
• Find more information on Understanding Your Bill here.

If your water service has been shut off due to non-payment, here’s what you can do to restore it:

Check Your Bill & Account Status – Visit Customer Portal: City of Wilmington to review your account and confirm any outstanding balances.

Make a Payment – If your service was disconnected due to non-payment, you may need to pay the overdue balance plus a $40 reconnection fee. 

Contact Us – Contact the City of Wilmington to discuss your options and schedule a reconnection.

Utility Payment Assistance Program – See if you qualify for Wilmington’s official financial aid program.

Emergency Help – If you need immediate assistance, the organizations below may be able to help:

• Delaware 211 – Connects residents with local resources for utility bill assistance
• Delaware Department of Health and Social Services – Support programs for utility bills
• Delaware Public Service Commission – Various assistance programs, including DEAP
• Division of the Public Advocate – Help with heating and water bills (LIHEAP, LIHWAP)

Wilmington Water is always improving our water, sewer, and stormwater system.

• Find out about our current projects here.
• View our Traffic & Construction Advisory map on our homepage.