How to Pay Your NYC Water Bill

Where to send your NYC water payment

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collects water and sewer bills for the city. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the DEP website, by mail to their lockbox address, or in person at a DEP payment center.

Online payment is the fastest route. Go to the DEP's bill pay portal at a841-doeweb.nyc.gov/TritonUI, enter your account number (found on your bill), and pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Payment posts the same day if you submit before 5 p.m. on a business day.

If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill — it changes based on which borough you live in. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send it at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Payment centers are open in person at DEP offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Hours and locations are listed on the DEP website. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at these locations.

Key Takeaways

• The NYC Department of Environmental Protection collects water bills, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person at a DEP payment center.
• Online payment through the DEP website posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day and requires your account number from your bill.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so you should send payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late fees.
• Late payments trigger a 5 percent penalty plus interest, and unpaid bills can result in a lien on your property or water shutoff after 60 days of nonpayment.

What happens if you miss the due date

If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your bill, the DEP adds a 5 percent penalty to your balance plus interest. The interest rate is set quarterly and is currently around 7 percent per year, though this changes.

After 60 days of nonpayment, the DEP can shut off your water service. Before that happens, you will receive a notice of violation and a chance to pay or set up a payment plan. If you ignore the notice, the city can also place a lien on your property, which means the debt must be paid before you can sell or refinance your home.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact the DEP before the important date. They offer payment plans for bills over $250, and you can arrange to pay in installments over several months without triggering the 5 percent penalty if you set it up before the due date passes.

Setting up automatic payments or a payment plan

You can set up automatic payments through the DEP website so your bill is paid on the same date every quarter without you having to remember. Log into your account on the DEP portal, select "Auto Pay," and choose your payment method and due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time.

If you are behind on your bill or cannot pay the full amount, the DEP offers payment plans for balances over $250. You can set one up by calling 311 or visiting a DEP payment center in person. The plan spreads your debt across several months, and as long as you make each payment on time, you will not face a water shutoff or additional penalties.

Payment plans typically require a down payment of at least 25 percent of what you owe, with the rest divided into equal monthly or quarterly installments. The exact terms depend on how much you owe and your circumstances, so ask the DEP representative what options are available for your situation.

Understanding your water bill

Your NYC water bill shows three charges: the water charge (based on how much water you used), the sewer charge (a percentage of your water charge), and the water tax (a fixed amount). The bill also lists your account number, the billing period, and the due date.

Bills are issued quarterly — every three months — and are based on a meter reading at your property. If you think your bill is too high, you can request a meter test through the DEP. The test is free if the meter is found to be faulty; if it is working correctly, you pay a fee of around $75.

Some buildings have a master meter that measures water for the whole building, and the landlord divides the bill among tenants. If you rent and your landlord bills you separately for water, the amount they charge you must match what the city charged them, plus any reasonable administrative fee set by state law.

Payment methods and timing

Payment Method	How to Use It	Processing Time
Online (DEP website)	Enter account number and pay by debit card, credit card, or bank transfer	Same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day
Mail	Send check or money order to the address on your bill	7 to 10 business days
In person at DEP payment center	Visit a center in your borough and pay by cash, check, or money order	Same day
Automatic payment	Set up through DEP website to pay on a date you choose each quarter	Posts on the date you select

What to do if you cannot pay

If you are struggling to pay your water bill, the DEP offers several options before your service is shut off. You can set up a payment plan, request a meter test if you believe the bill is incorrect, or look into financial information programs run by nonprofits in your area.

Some community organizations and nonprofits offer emergency information for utility bills, including water. You can search for programs in your neighborhood through the city's 311 service or by contacting your local community board. These programs may cover part or all of your bill if you meet their income requirements.

If you are a senior citizen or have a disability, you may be may be able to access for a property tax exemption that can reduce your water bill. Contact the Department of Finance to learn whether you may have access to and how the process works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card online?

Yes. The DEP website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will be charged a processing fee of around 2.5 percent of your payment amount if you use a credit card, though debit cards and bank transfers have no fee.

What is my account number and where do I find it?

Your account number is a unique identifier for your property and appears on every water bill you receive. It is usually printed near the top of the bill and is about 10 digits long. You need this number to pay online or to set up a payment plan.

How often do I get a water bill?

The DEP bills quarterly, meaning four times per year. Your bill arrives about two weeks before the due date. The due date is printed on your bill and is usually 30 days after the bill date.

Can I dispute a water bill if I think it is wrong?

Yes. You can request a meter test through the DEP if you believe your meter is faulty and your bill is too high. The test is free if the meter is found to be broken; if it is working correctly, you pay a fee. You can also contact the DEP to ask questions about how your bill was calculated.

What happens if I move out of my apartment?

Contact the DEP to close your account and request a final bill. You are responsible for water charges up to the date you move out. If you overpay, the DEP will issue a refund, though it may take several weeks to process.