Where to send your DEP water payment
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) accepts water bill payments through three main routes: online through their official website, by mail to their lockbox address, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most reliable method is online payment, which posts to your account within one business day. You will need your 10-digit account number, which appears on your bill.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill — this is a lockbox managed by a third-party processor, not DEP's main office. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so plan ahead if a due date is approaching. In-person payment at a DEP payment center is also an option, though centers have limited hours and locations; you can find the nearest one on the DEP website.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the DEP website using your 10-digit account number for the fastest posting — usually one business day.
- Mail payments go to a lockbox address on your bill, not to DEP directly, and take 7 to 10 business days to reach your account.
- Your due date is printed on the bill; payment is considered on time if it posts by that date, not if you mail it by that date.
- If your bill is overdue, you can still pay online or by mail without penalty, but late fees begin accruing after the due date passes.
- Set up automatic payments through the DEP website to avoid missing due dates and reduce the risk of service interruption.
How to pay online through the DEP website
Go to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection's official payment portal. You will be asked to enter your 10-digit account number and either your service address or the amount of your bill to locate your account. Once you find it, you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.
Credit and debit card payments are processed immediately, though they may take one business day to post to your account. Bank account payments (ACH transfers) also post within one business day. The DEP website does not charge a fee for online payment, but your bank or card issuer may charge a fee depending on your account type — check with them before you pay.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. If you do not see the payment post within two business days, contact DEP customer service with your confirmation number and account number.
Paying by mail or check
Write your account number on the front of your check or money order. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it has your account number printed on it and helps the lockbox processor route your payment correctly. Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill.
Do not mail payment to DEP's main office or any other address. The lockbox is a separate processing center, and mailing to the wrong address delays posting by weeks. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order receipt for your records.
Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to post. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, do not rely on mail — use online payment or pay in person instead. Late fees begin accruing the day after the due date, regardless of whether your payment is in transit.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
The DEP website allows you to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account. This is the most reliable way to ensure your payment posts on time every month. You choose the payment date, and DEP will deduct the amount from your account on that date each billing cycle.
To set up autopay, log into your DEP account online and look for the "Automatic Payment" or "Recurring Payment" option. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Once autopay is active, you can still make additional payments or adjust the amount if your bill changes.
If you want to cancel autopay, you can do so through your online account at any time. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle, so cancel early if you know you will not need it.
What happens if your payment is late
Late fees begin accruing the day after your due date. The amount varies depending on your bill balance, but DEP typically charges a percentage of the unpaid balance as a late fee. These fees are added to your next bill.
If your account remains unpaid for 60 days or more, DEP may issue a notice of intent to shut off your water service. This notice gives you a window to pay before service is interrupted. If you receive this notice, contact DEP immediately — they may offer a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
Water service shutoff is rare for residential accounts, but it does happen. The best way to avoid this situation is to pay on time or set up autopay. If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact DEP's customer service line to discuss your options before you fall significantly behind.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your DEP water bill shows your account number, service address, billing period, amount due, and due date. The due date is typically 30 days from the bill date. Your payment is considered on time if it posts to your account by the due date — not if you mail it or submit it online by that date.
Bills are issued every three months for most residential customers. Some properties on a different billing cycle may receive bills more or less frequently. Check your bill to see when your next bill is expected.
If you notice an error on your bill — an unusually high amount, a charge you do not recognize, or a billing date that seems wrong — contact DEP customer service before you pay. They can review your account and issue a corrected bill if needed. Do not ignore a bill you think is wrong; contact them instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my DEP water bill over the phone?
DEP does not accept phone payments directly. You must pay online, by mail, or in person at a payment center. If you need help navigating the online payment system, you can call DEP customer service and they will walk you through it, but the actual payment must be made through one of those three methods.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If two business days have passed and you do not see your payment, contact DEP customer service with your confirmation number and account number. They can look up the payment in their system and tell you whether it is still processing or if there was an error.
Do I have to pay the full bill amount, or can I make a partial payment?
You can make a partial payment at any time. However, late fees will still accrue on the unpaid balance after the due date. If you are unable to pay the full amount, contact DEP to discuss a payment plan before the due date passes.
What is the difference between my water bill and my sewer bill?
DEP combines water and sewer charges on one bill. The water charge is for the water delivered to your property; the sewer charge is for the wastewater treatment. Both are included in the single amount due. You pay both together when you pay your DEP bill.
Can I change my due date?
You cannot change the due date on your bill itself — that is set by your billing cycle. However, if you set up automatic payments, you can choose the date each month when the payment is deducted from your account, as long as it is before or on the due date.