Where to send your water payment

New York City water bills are issued by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). You can pay online through the DEP's official website, by mail, in person, or by phone — each method has different timing and what you need to have ready.

The fastest way is online at a826.nyc.gov, the DEP's bill payment portal. You'll need your account number (on your bill) and can pay with a debit or credit card. Payment posts the same business day if you submit before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday.

If you prefer not to use a card, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the DEP and another few days to post to your account, so send it at least two weeks before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at a826.nyc.gov using your account number and a debit or credit card for same-day posting.
  • Mail payments must be sent at least two weeks before the due date because postal delivery and processing take 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can pay by phone at 311 (in New York City) or 212-639-9675 (outside the city) with a debit or credit card, but you will be charged a convenience fee.
  • In-person payment at a DEP payment center requires your bill and cash, check, or money order — no credit cards accepted.
  • If your bill is overdue, the DEP can place a lien on your property and add interest and penalties, so contact them immediately if you cannot pay on time.

Paying by phone or in person

If you want to speak to someone while paying, call 311 from anywhere in New York City or 212-639-9675 from outside the city. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a debit or credit card. The DEP charges a convenience fee for this service — the amount varies but is typically $2 to $5 depending on your payment method.

You can also pay in person at a DEP payment center. The main office is at 59 Maiden Lane in lower Manhattan, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your bill and pay with cash, check, or money order. Credit and debit cards are not accepted at in-person locations. Payment posts the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your water bill arrives every three months and shows the amount due and the due date. The due date is typically 30 days from the bill date. If you pay after the due date, the DEP adds a late fee — currently 10 percent of the unpaid balance, with a minimum of $25.

Your bill includes charges for water consumption (measured in hundred cubic feet), a sewer charge, and a stormwater charge. All three are based on your meter reading. If you think your bill is wrong, you can request a meter test or adjustment through the DEP's website or by calling 311, but this process takes several weeks and does not stop the due date from passing.

What happens if you don't pay on time

If your bill remains unpaid 30 days after the due date, the DEP sends a notice of violation. If you still don't pay, the city can place a lien on your property — a legal claim that must be satisfied before you can sell or refinance. The lien includes the unpaid water bill, interest (currently 8.75 percent per year), and penalties.

The DEP can also shut off your water service if your account is seriously delinquent, though this is less common for residential accounts than for commercial ones. If you receive a shut-off notice, contact the DEP immediately — you may be able to set up a payment plan to avoid disconnection.

Setting up automatic payments or a payment plan

You can arrange automatic monthly payments through the DEP's website at a826.nyc.gov. This requires a bank account (checking or savings) and takes about five business days to set up. Once active, the DEP withdraws your payment on or shortly after your bill's due date each quarter.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the DEP at 311 or 212-639-9675 to discuss a payment plan. The DEP can sometimes extend the due date or allow you to pay in installments, but you must request this before your account becomes delinquent. Plans are not may provide and depend on the amount owed and your payment history.

Checking your account balance and payment history

Log into a826.nyc.gov with your account number to see your current balance, past bills, and a record of payments you've made. This is useful if you're unsure whether a mailed check has posted or if you want to verify that an online payment went through. The site updates daily.

If you don't have online access or prefer a paper record, you can request a bill history by calling 311. The DEP will mail you a statement showing the last 12 months of charges and payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card at the DEP office?

No. In-person payments at DEP payment centers accept cash, checks, and money orders only. If you want to use a credit card, pay online at a826.nyc.gov or call 311 and pay by phone (you'll be charged a convenience fee).

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?

Online payments post the same business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and process. If you're cutting it close to the due date, pay online to avoid a late fee.

What if I'm on a fixed income and can't afford my water bill?

The DEP offers the Elderly and Disabled Homeowner Property Tax Exemption, which can reduce your water bill if you meet income and age requirements. Contact 311 to learn whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you'll need to provide.

Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?

Yes. If you believe your bill is incorrect, you can request a meter test or file a complaint through a826.nyc.gov or by calling 311. The process takes several weeks, and you should still pay the bill by the due date to avoid late fees while your dispute is being reviewed.

What happens if I move out of my apartment?

Contact the DEP to close your account and request a final bill. You're responsible for water charges up to the date you move out. If you don't close the account, you may receive bills for water used after you leave, and the landlord or new tenant may hold you liable.