NYC Water Bill Help Desk: Pay, Login, Call, Dispute or Fix a High Bill
NYC water and wastewater bills are handled by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, not a private water company. Use this guide to jump straight to the right official action.
Start Here: NYC Water Bill Action Board
Searcher intent |
Use this official route |
Have ready |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay online with account tools |
DEP account number and activation token from bill. |
My DEP lets you pay, enroll in eBilling, view bills, track usage, submit forms, set AutoPay, and sign up for leak notifications. |
|
Pay without creating a profile |
DEP Account Number, house number, bank/card details. |
DEP says QuickPay payments are credited next business day, but general payment processing can take at least 3 business days. |
|
Pay by automated phone |
Account number, payment method, amount due. |
Phone payment is available 24/7. Checking/savings payment is no cost; credit/debit card has 2.25% convenience fee. |
|
Billing question, login issue, meter issue |
Account number, BBL, address, bill date, screenshot. |
NYC311 lists hours: Monday 8 AM-7 PM; Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-12 PM. |
|
Payment agreement / overdue bill |
Owner info, balance, notice, payment ability, authorization if representative. |
To avoid termination, DEP says pay in full or enter a payment agreement with 25% down payment. |
|
Water shutoff concern |
Shutoff notice, proof of address, ID, medical/age/child/disability documentation if relevant. |
Subject line: “Shut Off Notice” when submitting exemption documentation. |
|
Dispute a high or wrong bill |
Submit through My DEP, email customerservice@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Dispute,” or mail the dispute form. |
Dispute form, bill copy, meter read, photos, plumber proof if needed. |
Written dispute goes to Bureau of Customer Services first; appeals have strict deadlines. |
Report water main break / street leak |
NYC311 Report Problems, call 311, or call 212-639-9675 outside NYC. |
Exact location, cross street, direction of water flow, photos if safe. |
NYC311 says DEP responds to possible water main break reports within 8 hours. |
Scam check: DEP says field employees travel in marked vehicles, wear uniforms, and carry ID cards. DEP will not ask for Social Security number or payment at your property by phone, text, or email.
Official NYC DEP Contact, Address and Service Area
Billing Customer Service
Phone: 718-595-7000
Email: customerservice@dep.nyc.gov
Hours: Monday 8 AM-7 PM; Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM; Saturday 9 AM-12 PM.
DEP Customer Service Center
Department of Environmental Protection
Customer Service Center
59-17 Junction Boulevard, 13th Floor
Flushing, NY 11373
Locality / District Coverage
Service area: New York City’s five boroughs.
Borough counties: Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond.
Borough |
County name |
Typical water-bill user |
Where to go for account help |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronx |
Bronx County |
Homeowner, landlord, co-op/condo manager, small business. |
Any DEP borough office, not only Bronx office. |
Brooklyn |
Kings County |
Brownstone owner, multi-family property, commercial tenant with pass-through charges. |
DEP borough office for account information; DOF center for payment only. |
Manhattan |
New York County |
Co-op, condo, commercial building, mixed-use property. |
DEP borough office for disputes, meter/billing issues, payment agreements. |
Queens |
Queens County |
One-to-three-family owner, landlord, property manager, mixed-use owner. |
DEP customer service and Queens borough office at Junction Boulevard. |
Staten Island |
Richmond County |
Homeowner, seller/buyer, landlord, small commercial property. |
Staten Island borough office or any other DEP borough office. |
Pay, Login or QuickPay: Choose the Right Route
Best for owners
Use for full bill history, eBilling, AutoPay, monthly billing, usage graphs, disputes, forms, and leak alerts.
Fast one-time pay
Use when you have the DEP Account Number and house number but do not want to create a profile.
Need human help?
Use for bill questions, payment posting, login trouble, meter, AMR, disputes, or refund requests.
Find the right numbers on the bill
Use the Billing Information section for account number, amount due, due date, and Borough-Block-Lot. Use the Activation Token only to create or connect a My DEP Account.
Decide: My DEP or QuickPay
Use My DEP for recurring management. Use QuickPay for a one-time payment without signing in.
Check fee before card payment
Checking/savings payment by phone is listed as no cost. Credit/debit card payments are listed with a 2.25% convenience fee.
Save proof
Save confirmation number, date/time, amount, payment method, account number, and screenshot. This matters if payment does not post before a notice deadline.
Payment method |
Official detail |
Best for |
Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
My DEP Account |
Free online account; pay bill, eBilling, bill history, usage tracking, leak notifications, forms, dispute tracking, AutoPay. |
Owners and property managers who need full account control. |
You need the DEP account number and activation token from the bill. |
QuickPay |
One-time online payment without profile; prompts for DEP Account Number, house number, and bank/card details. |
Fast payment when you already have bill details. |
Keep confirmation and check posting if account is overdue. |
Pay by phone |
866-622-8292, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
Users who prefer automated phone payment. |
Credit/debit card fee; checking/savings listed no cost. |
DEP Borough Office |
Pay in person by check or money order. |
Account help plus payment support. |
Do not bring cash to DEP office for water payment. |
DOF Business Center |
Accepts cash, check, or money order for payments. |
Cash payment. |
DOF centers accept payments only; they do not have water/sewer bill account information. |
Mail |
Make check/money order payable to NYC Water Board and mail with bill stub. |
Routine bill with enough time. |
Do not use mail near shutoff, lien, or urgent due dates. |
Mail payment address:
NYC Water Board
P.O. Box 11863
Newark, NJ 07101-8163
NYC Water Phone Numbers by Problem
Problem |
Number / email |
Hours |
Use this when |
|---|---|---|---|
Bill, payment, account, meter, login, refund, dispute help |
Mon 8 AM-7 PM; Tue-Fri 8 AM-6 PM; Sat 9 AM-12 PM. |
You need a human customer service representative. |
|
Automated phone payment |
24/7. |
You want to pay by phone using checking account, credit card, or debit card. |
|
Payment agreement / overdue collection |
Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM. |
You cannot pay in full, received a termination notice, or need a payment agreement. |
|
Water shutoff exemption documents |
Email route. |
Submit “Shut Off Notice” documents for age 62+, child under 6, disability, or significant medical condition review. |
|
Water main break, street leak, low pressure, sewer complaint |
Call 311 or 212-639-9675 outside NYC. |
311 route. |
Report public water/sewer conditions and get a service request number. |
Service line protection program |
American Water Resources route. |
Enroll, cancel when selling, or ask about voluntary water/sewer service line protection. |
DEP Borough Offices: Address, Phone and What They Handle
NYC311 says customers can receive service at any DEP Borough Office regardless of borough of residence. Walk-in services are provided Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM.
Borough office |
Address |
Phone |
Nearby / location note |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronx DEP Borough Office |
1932 Arthur Avenue, 6th Floor Bronx, NY 10457 |
Between East 176th Street and East Tremont Avenue. |
|
Brooklyn DEP Borough Office |
345 Adams Street, 9th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
Between Willoughby Street and MetroTech. |
|
Manhattan DEP Borough Office |
55 West 125th Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10027 |
Between Lenox Avenue / Malcolm X Boulevard and 5th Avenue. |
|
Queens DEP Borough Office |
59-17 Junction Boulevard, 9th Floor Flushing, NY 11373 |
Between Horace Harding Expressway and 60th Avenue. |
|
Staten Island DEP Borough Office |
60 Bay Street, 6th Floor Staten Island, NY 10301 |
Between Slosson Terrace and Bend. |
In-person payment difference: DEP Borough Offices accept check or money order and can help with account questions. NYC Department of Finance Business Centers accept cash, check, or money order, but NYC311 says they do not have water/sewer bill account information.
NYC Water and Sewer Rates for 2026-2027
Water rate
$5.35 per 100 cubic feet.
Effective 7/1/26-6/30/27.
Sewer rate
$8.51 per 100 cubic feet.
159% of water rate.
Combined W/S
$13.86 per 100 cubic feet.
1 HCF = 748 gallons.
MCP annual unit rate
$1,412.60 per unit.
For enrolled Multi-Family Conservation Program properties.
Fiscal year |
Period |
Water rate / HCF |
Sewer rate / HCF |
Combined water + sewer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2027 |
7/1/26-6/30/27 |
$5.35 |
$8.51 |
$13.86 |
2026 |
7/1/25-6/30/26 |
$5.05 |
$8.02 |
$13.07 |
2025 |
7/1/24-6/30/25 |
$4.87 |
$7.74 |
$12.61 |
Bill math: NYC bills by hundred cubic feet. 1 HCF = 748 gallons. Example: 20 HCF × $13.86 = $277.20 before account-specific fees, credits, adjustments, or minimum charges.
Official rate sources:
Overdue Bill, Shutoff Notice or Payment Agreement
To avoid termination
DEP says you must pay the outstanding balance in full or enter a payment agreement with a 25% down payment.
Special shutoff review
Email watershutoff@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Shut Off Notice.”
Situation |
What DEP says |
What to send / ask |
|---|---|---|
Cannot pay entire balance |
Owner can request a payment agreement; minimum 25% down payment is required unless approved for lower amount under qualifying circumstances. |
Ask: “What exact amount prevents shutoff today?” |
Owner is 62+, disabled, serious medical condition, or child under 6 lives in home |
DEP may review exemption/supporting documentation. |
ID, proof of address, child birth certificate/passport, doctor note, disability documentation, or other proof. |
Tenant received shutoff notice |
Notify the landlord immediately. DEP may not discuss the account without authorization. |
Tenant should still submit qualifying shutoff documents with proof of address if applicable. |
Service already terminated |
DEP says restoration requires paying in full or entering a payment agreement with 25% down payment; certified bank check is required to restore service after non-payment termination. |
Call Collections Unit before visiting or paying. |
Legal Referral Warning Notice |
Call 718-595-7000 or visit a DEP Borough Office to learn payment options. |
Bring notice, bill, owner ID, payment proof, dispute evidence. |
Dispute a NYC Water Bill or File an Appeal
1. Written dispute
Submit through My DEP, email customerservice@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Dispute,” or mail the Customer Dispute Form.
2. Initial appeal
Appeal to the Deputy Commissioner within 120 days after DEP’s written response.
3. Final appeal
Appeal to the Executive Director of the NYC Water Board within 60 days after Deputy Commissioner determination.
Stage |
Submit online/email |
Mail address |
Best evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
Written dispute |
My DEP Account or customerservice@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Dispute.” |
Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Customer Services P.O. Box 739055 Elmhurst, NY 11373-9055 |
Bill copy, meter photo, usage graph, leak repair proof, plumber invoice, payment receipt. |
Initial appeal |
My DEP Account or customerservice@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Initial Appeal.” |
Deputy Commissioner Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Customer Services 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 13th Floor Flushing, NY 11373-5108 |
DEP response, why decision is wrong, new evidence, timeline. |
Final appeal |
nycwaterboard@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Final Appeal.” |
Executive Director New York City Water Board 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor Flushing, NY 11373 |
Deputy Commissioner determination, concise argument, attachments. |
Body: “I am disputing water/sewer bill [bill date] for DEP account [number], service address [address]. The issue is [estimated read / leak / wrong payment / meter / duplicate charge]. Attached are [documents]. Please confirm receipt and next steps.”
High Bill, Meter, AMR and Leak Forgiveness
AMR reads
Automated Meter Reading devices transmit readings up to four times a day to DEP’s billing system.
Meter location
Meter is on the property’s water supply line close to where it enters the building; it may be in a basement, pit, garage, yard, or under a sub-floor.
Meter accuracy test
DEP lists a $180 fee before a water meter accuracy test appointment can be arranged.
Leak alerts
My DEP Account can track usage and sign up for leak notifications.
High-bill check |
What to do |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Toilets |
Look for movement in bowl/tank and silent-running fixtures. |
Toilet leaks are common and can create a major bill jump. |
Meter leak indicator |
Check whether the triangle-shaped leak indicator moves when nobody is using water. |
Movement during no-use period suggests a leak. |
Appliances/irrigation |
Check refrigerators, air conditioning units, lawn sprinklers, outside hoses. |
Outdoor or appliance leaks may run unnoticed. |
Estimated bill |
Compare estimated reading to the physical meter reading. |
DEP says AMR gaps can create estimated bills even though the physical meter still records usage. |
Property sale |
Request a Property Transfer Meter Reading / title reading at least 30 days before closing. |
Protects buyer from seller’s water/sewer charges. |
Leak Forgiveness: Eligibility Snapshot
Requirement |
Official rule |
Practical action |
|---|---|---|
Metered property |
Property must be billed on metered charges. |
Check bill and My DEP usage graph. |
Leak amount |
Leak charge must equal at least 200% of a normal bill; in some no-meter-data cases threshold can be 150%. |
Compare high bill to representative billing period. |
Repair deadline |
Leak must be fixed within 120 days from the original high-charge bill date. |
Fix immediately; keep plumber notes, dates, and receipts. |
Request deadline |
Written request must be mailed within 120 days or high bill dispute created online in My DEP. |
Do not wait for the next bill if deadline is close. |
Frequency |
No leak forgiveness granted within the last two years. |
Check prior credits/adjustments. |
Credit amount |
One half of the high bill amount, but final amount will not be less than 150% of typical bill. |
Expect partial relief, not full removal. |
Proof |
No plumber receipt required if working AMR device is attached; without working AMR, plumber receipt is required. |
Keep proof anyway for stronger review. |
Leak mail address:
BCS Correspondence—Leak Program
59-17 Junction Blvd.
7th Floor
Flushing, NY 11373
Report Water, Sewer or Building Leak Problems
Problem |
Official route |
What to say |
Expected / useful detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Water main break |
NYC311 Report Problems, 311, or 212-639-9675. |
“Water is coming up from below ground at [street/cross street]. Nearby pressure is low.” |
NYC311 says DEP responds within 8 hours for possible water main break reports. |
Water leak on street/sidewalk |
NYC311 water leak route. |
“Water is leaking in a public area at [exact location].” |
Photos help only if safe. |
No water / low pressure |
NYC311 no water / pressure complaint. |
“No water / low pressure at [address], affects [one unit/all building/neighbors].” |
Check building work and neighbors first. |
Sewer backup |
NYC311 sewer backup route. |
“Sewage is coming out of [toilet/sink drain/bathtub drain].” |
Property owners can report sewer backup; avoid contact with wastewater. |
Water leak inside building |
NYC311 water leak in building route. |
“Water is leaking into [apartment/public area/basement].” |
Call 911 if water is entering electrical wiring, ceiling, or walls and immediate danger exists. |
Grease, wipes, fatberg risk |
NYC311 cooking oil/grease guidance. |
“Need grease disposal / sewer clog prevention help.” |
Even “flushable” items may not clear pipes or break down in the sewer system. |
Official report links:
Buying, Selling or Managing NYC Property
Buyer checklist
- Ask seller to obtain title meter reading at least 30 days before closing.
- Confirm final water/sewer balance before closing.
- File Customer Registration Form after purchase.
- Create My DEP Account after registration.
Seller checklist
- Stop AutoPay before sale is final.
- Cancel Service Line Protection coverage if enrolled.
- Unenroll from My DEP Account before sale final.
- Keep closing/payment proof.
Property manager checklist
- Use My DEP delegate feature.
- Track multiple accounts.
- Set communication preferences.
- Request property-manager role if needed for multiple account access.
Important: DEP says title readings cannot be issued for accounts with denial-of-access issues, billing interference, or other DEP-related violations.
Financial Assistance and Special Programs
Program / help route |
Who it may help |
What to do first |
|---|---|---|
Home Water Assistance Program |
Qualifying customers needing help with water/sewer costs. |
Check DEP Financial Assistance Programs and contact Customer Service. |
Leak Forgiveness Program |
Metered accounts with qualifying repaired leaks and high bills. |
Fix leak, gather timeline, submit written request or My DEP high bill dispute. |
Multi-Family Conservation Program |
Larger residential properties on flat per-unit annual charge. |
Compare MCP rules with metered billing and conservation needs. |
Multi-Family Water Assistance Program |
Eligible multi-family properties. |
Review DEP program eligibility before assuming credit applies. |
Water Debt Assistance Program |
Two- and three-family owner-occupied properties facing foreclosure and lien sale may qualify for temporary set-aside help. |
Use lien sale/assistance information and contact DEP before deadlines. |
Reimbursable Metering Program |
Owners using Licensed Master Plumber for eligible meter work. |
Check reimbursement rules before installing/replacing meter. |
HDFC and HDC Assistance |
Specific affordable housing property types. |
Confirm eligibility directly with DEP. |
Official assistance route:
Private Service Line Responsibility and Protection
Owner responsibility
Property owners are responsible for plumbing inside and outside the property, including water and sanitary sewer service lines from property to city mains.
Optional protection
DEP partners with American Water Resources for voluntary water/sewer service line protection.
Protection item |
Official cost listed |
Important user note |
|---|---|---|
Water Line Protection |
$84.84/year. |
Optional; appears on DEP water/wastewater bill if enrolled. |
Sewer Line Protection |
$143.04/year. |
Optional; must remain current on DEP charges/payment agreement to remain eligible. |
Eligibility basics |
Most residential and mixed-use properties with a single 2-inch or smaller service line. |
Property must have wireless meter reading devices and be current on DEP charges or agreements. |
Repair cost context |
DEP page says average NYC repair cost can be $3,000-$5,000 for water line and $10,000-$15,000 for sewer line. |
Review coverage and exclusions before enrolling. |
NYC Drinking Water: What Searchers Usually Need
Source
NYC drinking water is delivered from large upstate reservoirs, some more than 125 miles from the city.
Scale
DEP says more than 1 billion gallons of drinking water are delivered each day to nine million customers throughout New York State.
Common concerns
Use official drinking water FAQs for color, odor, taste, lead, reservoir levels, and water quality report questions.
Official water quality links:
Google Map: NYC DEP Customer Service Center
Use this map for the DEP Customer Service Center at 59-17 Junction Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. For walk-in account help, use the borough office table above because borough offices are on different floors/locations.
NYC Water Utility FAQ
What is the NYC water utility phone number?
For water and sewer billing, account, meter, login, refund, or dispute help, call NYC DEP customer service at 718-595-7000. NYC311 lists hours as Monday 8 AM-7 PM, Tuesday-Friday 8 AM-6 PM, and Saturday 9 AM-12 PM.
How do I log in to my NYC water bill account?
Use My DEP Account at nyc.gov/mydep. To sign up, you need the DEP account number and activation token from your water and wastewater bill.
How do I pay my NYC water bill without logging in?
Use DEP QuickPay. It prompts for DEP Account Number, house number, and bank account, credit card, or debit card details.
Can I pay my NYC water bill by phone?
Yes. Call 866-622-8292 any time. Checking or savings account payment is listed as no cost. Credit or debit card payment has a 2.25% convenience fee.
Where do I mail a NYC water bill payment?
Make checks or money orders payable to NYC Water Board and mail with the bill stub to NYC Water Board, P.O. Box 11863, Newark, NJ 07101-8163.
What is the NYC water and sewer rate for 2026-2027?
For 7/1/26-6/30/27, the NYC Water Board lists water at $5.35 per 100 cubic feet, sewer at $8.51, and combined water/sewer at $13.86 per 100 cubic feet. One hundred cubic feet equals 748 gallons.
How do I dispute a NYC water bill?
File a written dispute through My DEP Account, email the dispute form to customerservice@dep.nyc.gov with subject “Dispute,” or mail it to DEP Bureau of Customer Services, P.O. Box 739055, Elmhurst, NY 11373-9055.
Who do I call for a payment agreement or overdue water bill?
Contact DEP Collections Unit at 718-595-7890 Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM, or email collectionsunit@dep.nyc.gov.
Does NYC DEP offer leak forgiveness?
Yes. A metered property may qualify if the leak caused a bill at least 200% of normal, was fixed within 120 days, and the request is filed within 120 days. In some cases where meter data was not available, the threshold can be 150%.
Is this the official NYC DEP website?
No. This is an informational guide. Use NYC DEP, NYC311, My DEP Account, and NYC Water Board pages for live balances, notices, deadlines, payment posting, official forms, and account decisions.
30-Second NYC Water Checklist
Pay: My DEP for full account tools, QuickPay for one-time payment, 866-622-8292 for phone payment.
Call: 718-595-7000 for billing/customer service; 718-595-7890 for payment agreement/collections.
Visit: DEP Borough Offices handle account questions; DOF Business Centers accept payment only and do not have water bill account information.
High bill: check usage graph, AMR, meter, toilet, leak indicator, appliances, irrigation, then file dispute or leak forgiveness quickly.
Emergency/public issue: call 311 or use NYC311 Report Problems for main break, street leak, sewer backup, no water, low pressure, or water meter complaint.

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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