Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority: Pay, Log In, Call, Report or Understand Your Account
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, often called ABCWUA or the Water Authority, handles water, sewer and many trash-billing items for customers in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Use this 2026 guide to pay a bill, view a statement, call the right phone option, handle tenants/owners correctly, get bill help, report emergencies, follow water-waste rules and read water-quality information.
Start Here: Fast Action Board
What you need |
Official route |
Have ready |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay one time online |
Account number, service ZIP code, payment method. |
Use Guest Pay for a quick one-time payment and bill image access. |
|
Log in or create profile |
Email, password, account number, service address/ZIP. |
Use the portal for recurring payments, payment history, bill images and multiple accounts. |
|
Pay by phone |
505-842-WATR / 505-842-9287, Option 2 |
Account number, amount due, card/bank details. |
Save the confirmation number before ending the call. |
Billing or general issue |
505-842-9287, Option 0 |
Bill, account number, property address, payment proof, screenshot or notice. |
Use for billing, payment posting, account profile, trash-bill routing and general questions. |
Water or sewer emergency |
505-842-9287, Option 1 |
Address, cross street, issue type, safety risk, start time. |
Use Option 1 for 24-hour water/sewer emergencies. |
Construction services |
505-842-9287, Option 3 |
Project address, permit/work-order question, connection type. |
Use for construction, connection-permit and work-order payment routing. |
Conservation / rebates |
505-842-9287, Option 4 |
Account number, rebate item, receipt, purchase date. |
Use for water-saving rebates and 505Outside conservation support. |
Report water waste |
505-842-9287, Option 5 or online report form |
Address, best day/time to observe, water source if known. |
Reports may lead to a warning notice or scheduled field inspection. |
Walk-in customer service |
Customer Service Center, 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 |
ID, bill, account number, payment proof, documents. |
Lobby hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Mail payment |
ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125 |
Bill stub/account number and check or money order. |
Use only when the due date is not urgent. |
Important naming note: this is not a small county department page. The correct utility is the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, a regional water and sewer utility often abbreviated as ABCWUA or simply Water Authority.
What the Water Authority Does
The Water Authority is an independently operated New Mexico political subdivision that manages water and wastewater utility service for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County customers. It is governed by a board and sets policy, rates and service rules through ordinances.
Regional utility
ABCWUA is the local authority for water and sewer utility service across Albuquerque and parts of Bernalillo County.
Water and sewer
The monthly Water Authority account can include water, sewer and, for many customers, curbside refuse collection billed on behalf of local solid-waste agencies.
Rates by ordinance
Water and sewer rates are governed through the Water and Sewer Rate Ordinance; the legislation page lists Section 1 as amended May 20, 2026 by O-26-1.
Area |
What it means for customers |
Where to act |
|---|---|---|
Customer accounts |
Pay, view bills, request billing help, set paperless, manage recurring payments and update account profile. |
WA Portal, Guest Pay or Customer Service Option 0. |
Water emergencies |
Broken mains, urgent sewer backup, emergency water shutoff and water/sewer field problems. |
Call 505-842-WATR, Option 1. |
Conservation |
Water by the Numbers, rebates, xeriscape support, water waste reporting and irrigation guidance. |
Option 4 for conservation; Option 5 for water waste. |
Trash bill line |
Trash/refuse may appear on the Water Authority bill, but questions route to City or County Solid Waste depending service area. |
City Solid Waste 505-761-8100 or Bernalillo County Solid Waste 505-224-1639. |
Builders / development |
Connection permits, work orders, maps, records, pressure/flow inquiries and project closeout. |
Construction Services, Option 3. |
Water quality |
Annual CCR, lead testing, PFAS monitoring, source water, sodium, arsenic and distribution-zone information. |
Water Quality Report hub, Lead-Safe Community map, Option 1 for urgent quality issue. |
Bill Pay, Login and Bill Viewing
Guest Pay
Use for one-time payment and bill image access with account number and ZIP.
WA Portal
Use for recurring payments, multiple accounts, payment history and paperless billing.
Phone payment
Call 505-842-WATR and select Option 2.
In person / drop box
Use 1441 Mission Ave NE or 5th & Marquette drop box when check/money-order drop-off is better.
Payment / bill route |
What it does |
Best for |
Do this before submitting |
|---|---|---|---|
Guest Pay |
One-time payment and bill image viewing. |
Fast payment without building a full online profile. |
Verify the account number, ZIP, property address and amount. |
Sign in / create profile |
More options including recurring payments. |
Owners, managers or customers who want ongoing online account control. |
Confirm every account added belongs to the right property. |
Bank draft |
ABCWUA debits the bank account monthly to pay the bill in full. |
Customers who want automatic full-balance payment. |
Keep enough funds available before the draft date. |
Phone payment |
Call 505-842-WATR, Option 2. |
Customers who prefer automated phone payment. |
Write down the confirmation number. |
Mail |
ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125. |
Non-urgent check or money-order payment. |
Mail early; do not use mail when service is at immediate risk. |
Curbside drop boxes |
1441 Mission Ave NE or 5th & Marquette by City Hall downtown. |
Check/money-order drop-off. |
Include account number and avoid cash unless the location officially accepts it. |
Walk-in |
Customer Service, 1441 Mission Ave NE; lobby 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. |
Payment plus account questions, bill help or documentation. |
Bring bill, ID and payment proof. |
Western Union |
Retail payment option listed by ABCWUA. |
Customers needing third-party retail payment access. |
Call ahead because hours and availability may change. |
Paperless by Email |
Enroll in WA Portal and select Paperless by Email under bill statement delivery. |
Customers who want email bills instead of mailed paper bills. |
Confirm email address and monitor spam folder after enrolling. |
Tenants, Owners, Buyers and Sellers: ABCWUA Bills the Property
Major account rule: the Water Authority is a property-based utility. It does not start, stop or transfer service in the same way many city utilities do. ABCWUA bills the property, not the person, and the property owner of record controls and is responsible for the water account.
Tenants
Contact the owner, landlord or property manager for prorated bills, final bills or mailed bill copies.
Owners
Owners may request mailing address changes, budget billing, online profile changes or meter placement/removal.
Buyers / sellers
Final bills should be prorated and paid through the title company or negotiated between buyer and seller.
Property managers
With owner permission, call 505-842-9287 Option 0 to add or change mailing addresses.
Situation |
Correct ABCWUA handling |
Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
Renter wants a bill mailed to them |
Contact the owner/landlord/property manager. The tenant may also set up bank draft if appropriate. |
Do not assume the tenant can “take over” the account without owner control. |
Tenant needs final/prorated bill |
Ask landlord or property manager to calculate or coordinate the prorated amount. |
Do not expect ABCWUA to close service just because a tenant moves. |
Owner sells property |
Prorate and pay final bill through title company or negotiate with buyer. |
Do not leave utility payoff out of closing review. |
New owner buys property |
Confirm owner-of-record, mailing address and online profile access. |
Do not rely on old owner’s portal or old mailing address. |
Title company needs payoff |
Email bill and financial history requests to the title-company payoff route listed by ABCWUA. |
Do not estimate payoff from an old monthly bill. |
Understanding the Monthly Bill and 2026 Rate Checks
ABCWUA says the monthly bill can include water, sewer and, for most customers, curbside refuse collection billed on behalf of the City of Albuquerque. Extra lines may include adjustments, water-waste charges and extra carts.
Not just water
Separate water, sewer, refuse/trash, adjustments, water waste, extra carts and payment history before calling.
Trash questions
City trash questions go to 505-761-8100; Bernalillo County Solid Waste questions go to 505-224-1639.
Rates by ordinance
Use the official Water and Sewer Rate Ordinance for current rate calculations and service fees.
Bill item |
What it means |
Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
Water charge |
Potable water service and usage. |
ABCWUA Customer Service, Option 0. |
Sewer / wastewater |
Wastewater collection/treatment charges. |
ABCWUA Customer Service, Option 0. |
Curbside refuse |
Trash/refuse line billed for many customers on behalf of local solid-waste service. |
City Solid Waste 505-761-8100 or Bernalillo County Solid Waste 505-224-1639. |
Water waste |
May appear after ordinance-based water-waste enforcement. |
Option 5 or Customer Service depending notice. |
Adjustments |
Corrections, account changes or approved billing changes. |
Option 0 with current and prior bill. |
Extra carts |
Additional trash/cart-related charge. |
Solid Waste route first if the issue is cart/trash service. |
Developer/connection fees |
Work-order, engineering, pro-rata or connection-permit charges. |
Construction Services, Option 3. |
Water or Sewer Emergency: What to Report
24/7 emergency route
Call: 505-842-WATR / 505-842-9287, Option 1.
Sewer backup
Use Option 1 for urgent sewer backup, sewer overflow, water/sewer emergency or emergency field issue.
Water quality concern
Use Option 1 for urgent quality concerns; non-urgent report questions can use water-quality email or the report hub.
Problem |
Call / action |
What to say |
Safety step |
|---|---|---|---|
Broken main / water flowing in street |
505-842-WATR, Option 1. |
“Water is flowing/bubbling at [address/cross street]. It started around [time].” |
Stay clear of damaged pavement and work zones. |
No water / sudden pressure loss |
Option 1 if urgent; Option 0 if account/billing related. |
“No water/low pressure at [address]. Neighbors [are/are not] affected.” |
Turn faucets off after checking so returning pressure does not damage fixtures. |
Sewer backup or overflow |
Option 1. |
“Sewer is backing up at [toilet/tub/floor drain/yard/street].” |
Avoid wastewater contact and stop using fixtures if backup worsens. |
Emergency water shutoff |
Option 1. |
“I need emergency water shutoff at [address] because [reason].” |
If safe and known, use private shutoff while waiting. |
Water quality issue |
Option 1 for urgent issue; water-quality email for non-urgent report questions. |
“Water has [color/odor/taste] at [hot/cold/all taps] since [time].” |
Check whether all taps or only one fixture is affected. |
Water waste |
Option 5 or online report form, not emergency Option 1 unless there is damage/safety risk. |
“Water is running/spraying into [street/storm drain/neighbor property] at [address].” |
Provide best observation time and source if known. |
Payment Assistance: LIC and WAF
Low Income Credit
The LIC program gives eligible low-income homeowners a monthly utility credit up to $33.05 for water, wastewater and solid waste.
Water Assistance Fund
WAF gives one-time emergency help for low-income homeowners or tenants who pay Water Authority water and sewer bills.
2026 WAF trigger
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, a Water Authority turn-off notice must be issued or mailed for WAF eligibility.
Help route |
Who it may help |
Benefit / contact |
Prepare first |
|---|---|---|---|
Low Income Credit Program |
Low-income homeowners. |
Monthly utility credit up to $33.05; renew annually. |
Account number, bill, address, homeowner and income documents. |
Water Assistance Fund Grant |
Low-income homeowners or tenants who pay ABCWUA water/sewer bills. |
Approved applications may receive up to $200 toward the bill. |
Turn-off notice, account number, bill, income/household documents. |
The Storehouse |
LIC and WAF administrator listed by ABCWUA. |
Ask about current appointment/application process. |
|
Rio Grande Food Project |
LIC and WAF administrator listed by ABCWUA. |
Have bill and turn-off notice ready if applying for WAF. |
|
Billing call before shutoff |
Any customer at risk of disconnection or with payment posting issue. |
505-842-WATR, Option 0. |
Ask exact amount due and fastest posting method. |
Water Waste, Watering Rules and Rebates
Restricted hours
Spray irrigation is not allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1-Oct. 31.
Runoff rule
Water flowing or spraying into public right-of-way, storm drain or adjacent property is water waste.
Water by the Numbers
Recommended watering: March 1x/week; April-May 2x/week; June-August 3x/week; September-October 2x/week; November 1x/week.
Warning first
Reports may result in warning notice or field inspection; fines are not assessed until a warning and chance to correct.
Issue |
Official rule / route |
Practical customer action |
|---|---|---|
Spray irrigation timing |
April 1-Oct. 31 spray irrigation must be between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. |
Set irrigation controller outside 11 a.m.-7 p.m. |
Drip, bubbler, hand watering |
Time-of-day restriction does not apply to drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, hand watering or containerized plants/stock. |
Use targeted low-waste watering when plants need help. |
Water running to street |
Water flowing/spraying into public right-of-way, storm drain or adjacent private property is water waste. |
Fix heads, pressure, broken valves, cooling leaks or hose misuse. |
Equipment malfunction |
Customers must contact Enforcement within 48 hours to explain how the problem will be resolved. |
Shut off malfunctioning equipment if repair takes more than 48 hours. |
Report water waste |
Use online form or call 505-842-WATR, Option 5. |
Provide address, best day/time to observe and source if known. |
Time-of-day exemption |
Available for qualifying chemical treatment, irrigation system outage, new sod, reseeded turf or newly seeded areas. |
Apply before the project and prepare for on-site inspection. |
Irrigation rebates |
Residential customers may qualify for 25% or up to $100 for smart controllers, flow sensors and pressure regulators; commercial customers may qualify for 25% or up to $500. |
Apply within 90 days of purchase and keep paid itemized receipt. |
Water Quality, Sources, Lead and PFAS
Annual testing
ABCWUA says thousands of water samples are collected every year and the water meets state and federal drinking-water standards.
Water sources
The 2025 report explains that customers rely on local groundwater plus imported surface water from the Colorado River basin through the San Juan-Chama Project.
Lead and PFAS
The report points customers to the Lead-Safe Community inventory and states local drinking water remains absent of PFAS under 2024-2025 UCMR testing.
Water-quality item |
What the customer should know |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Annual Water Quality Report |
Use the current English or Spanish report for source-to-tap explanation, regulated sampling results and lead information. |
Open the Water Quality Report hub before relying on an old PDF. |
Source water |
Water comes from locally pumped groundwater plus San Juan-Chama surface water imported from the Colorado River basin. |
Use the source-water section to understand taste, treatment and drought discussions. |
Monitoring |
The report describes monitoring and testing at wells, tanks, customer taps and the surface-water treatment plant. |
Use the CCR for verified results, not social posts. |
Lead service line inventory |
ABCWUA is conducting an inventory of service lines and points customers to the Lead-Safe Community map. |
Search your property and provide feedback if the material looks wrong. |
Customer-requested lead testing |
The report says ABCWUA offers free lead and copper testing for customers concerned about home plumbing fixtures. |
Use the lead sample collection request route. |
PFAS |
The 2025 report states local drinking water remains absent of manmade PFAS chemicals, based on 2024-2025 monitoring. |
Check future reports because PFAS rules and sampling schedules can change. |
Water-quality questions |
Questions may be emailed to the water-quality contact listed by ABCWUA or routed through 842-WATR Option 1. |
Report address, affected tap, hot/cold/all taps, color/odor/taste and start time. |
Builders, New Construction, Work Orders and Maps
Construction Services
Call 505-842-WATR, Option 3, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for new-construction payment and project routing.
Connection permit fees
Small water services and sanitary sewer services are listed as $50 per service; public hydrant/manhole/fire line/AirVac pit/large services are listed as $150 per item.
Maps and records
Maps & Records contacts are listed as 505-289-3242 or 505-289-3248.
Project need |
Route |
Prepare before calling |
|---|---|---|
Connection permit |
Construction Services, Option 3. |
Project address, service size, permit type, owner/designer/contractor info. |
Work order fees |
New Construction payment route. |
Engineering review fee, pro-rata fee question, project closeout status. |
Availability / pressure / flow |
Utility Development contacts listed by ABCWUA. |
Parcel/address, use type, estimated demand, fire-flow question. |
Maps and records |
505-289-3242 or 505-289-3248. |
Location, map type, record request and purpose. |
Fire hydrant meter |
Customer Service / Fire Hydrant Meter Program. |
Project location, start/end date, meter need and billing contact. |
Map: ABCWUA Customer Service Center
Use this map for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Customer Service Center at 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. The same location appears throughout the official customer-service pages as the walk-in service center.
Location / route |
Address / phone |
Best use |
|---|---|---|
Customer Service Center |
1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107; 505-842-WATR |
Walk-in customer service, billing questions, payment help and drop-box location. |
Downtown curbside drop box |
5th & Marquette, by City Hall downtown. |
Payment drop-off option listed by ABCWUA. |
Payment mail |
ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125. |
Mail check/money-order payment with account information. |
General contact mail |
PO Box 568, Albuquerque, NM 87103-0568. |
General correspondence route. |
Executive / Administrative Offices |
One Civic Plaza NW, Room 5027, Albuquerque, NM 87102; 505-289-3000. |
Administrative/governance routing, not routine bill payment. |
Emergency / phone menu |
505-842-WATR / 505-842-9287. |
Option 1 emergency, Option 0 billing, Option 2 payment, Option 5 water waste. |
Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority FAQ
What is the Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority phone number?
Call 505-842-9287, also written as 505-842-WATR. Use Option 0 for billing/general issues, Option 1 for 24-hour water or sewer emergencies, Option 2 for phone payment and Option 5 to report water waste.
Where do I pay my ABCWUA bill online?
Use Guest Pay through E-Bill Express for a one-time payment or use account.abcwua.org to sign in or create a Water Authority portal profile for more account features.
Where is the ABCWUA Customer Service Center?
The Customer Service Center is at 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Walk-in lobby hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where do I mail an ABCWUA payment?
Mail bill payments to ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125. Include the account number or bill stub so the payment posts correctly.
Does ABCWUA start, stop or transfer service for tenants?
No. ABCWUA is property-based and bills the property, not the person. Tenants should work with the owner, landlord or property manager for prorated bills, final bills or mailed bill copies.
Why is trash on my Water Authority bill?
The monthly Water Authority bill can include water, sewer and, for most customers, curbside refuse collection billed on behalf of the City of Albuquerque. City trash questions go to 505-761-8100; Bernalillo County Solid Waste questions go to 505-224-1639.
How do I report a water or sewer emergency?
Call 505-842-WATR and select Option 1. This route is for water/sewer emergencies and is available 24 hours a day.
What is water waste under ABCWUA rules?
Water waste includes water, other than natural precipitation, flowing or spraying into a public right-of-way, municipal storm drain or adjacent private property. Spray irrigation between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 through Oct. 31 is also water waste.
How can low-income customers get help with an ABCWUA bill?
Eligible low-income homeowners may qualify for the Low Income Credit up to $33.05 monthly. Low-income homeowners or tenants with a Water Authority turn-off notice may apply for Water Assistance Fund grants up to $200 through listed partner agencies.
Where do I check water quality, lead and PFAS information?
Use ABCWUA’s Water Quality Report hub and the latest English or Spanish report. The report includes source-water, regulated sampling, lead information, PFAS monitoring and links to the Lead-Safe Community service-line inventory.
30-Second ABCWUA Checklist
Pay/login: Guest Pay for one-time payment; account.abcwua.org for WA Portal features and recurring payments.
Phone: 505-842-WATR / 505-842-9287. Option 0 billing, Option 1 emergency, Option 2 payment, Option 3 construction, Option 4 conservation, Option 5 water waste.
Office: Customer Service Center, 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Mail payment: ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125.
Property rule: ABCWUA bills the property, not the person. Tenants, buyers, sellers and property managers should coordinate with owner/title/manager channels.
High bill: separate water, sewer, trash/refuse, extra carts, water waste, adjustments, winter average, rate ordinance changes and possible leak/irrigation use before calling.

Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
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