Atlanta Water Utility Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call or Fix a High Bill
Use this guide like the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management customer counter: pay a water and sewer bill, log in to the DWM portal, call ATL311, start or end service, avoid late fees, use PromisePay or Care & Conserve when behind, request an account adjustment, report leaks and sewer spills, check water quality, understand 2026 rates, and visit the right Atlanta payment location.
Quick Answer: Atlanta Water Utility Phone, Login and Address
Need |
Official route |
Prepare first |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay or log in online |
Account number, customer details, balance and payment method. |
Use the official DWM portal, not search-ad bill sites. Register for Pay-by-Text and online account tools. |
|
Pay by phone / customer service |
Dial 311 inside Atlanta or 404-546-0311. |
Account number, service address, payment confirmation if already paid. |
Customer Service is listed Monday-Friday, 7 AM-7 PM; emergencies route to the same number after hours. |
Walk-in payment |
Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. SW; 2 City Plaza, 72 Marietta St. NE. |
Bill, account number, photo ID if account change, card/check/money order. |
Payment-window hours are listed as 8:15 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday. Call first if visiting because city pages can contain older closure notes. |
Night deposit |
68 Mitchell Street entrance of Atlanta City Hall. |
Check or money order only, payment stub and account number. |
Do not use night deposit for urgent shutoff or same-day restoration unless you also contact DWM. |
Start water/sewer service |
Start My Service or online application. |
Service-area check, application, owner/renter/business documents, ID, deposit and establishment fee. |
Master-metered condos, apartments and commercial properties may not be eligible for individual DWM accounts. |
End service / move out |
End My Service or customer portal. |
Account details, disconnect date, forwarding address and customer verification. |
You remain liable for water use if you vacate but do not disconnect service. |
Behind on bill |
PromisePay, Care & Conserve, or 404-546-0311. |
Past-due balance, account number, income/assistance documents if applying for aid. |
PromisePay offers eligible customers 2-12 month flexible repayment plans. |
Leak, main break, sewer spill, low pressure |
Call 404-546-0311 or submit ATL311. |
Exact address/cross street, issue type, smell/color, photos if safe and callback number. |
Clear water with chlorine smell suggests water system; cloudy water with sewage/stormwater smell suggests sewer/stormwater issue. |
Atlanta provider check: this page is for the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. Some metro Atlanta addresses use DeKalb County, Fulton County, Cobb County, Clayton County, a city utility, apartment master meter, HOA, or private billing company. Match the provider name on the bill before paying.
First Check: City of Atlanta DWM or Another Metro Provider?
A mailing address that says Atlanta does not always mean the City of Atlanta bills the water account. The bill, service address, city limits and master-meter status decide where to pay.
Bill says City of Atlanta / DWM
Use payatlwateronline.com, 311/404-546-0311, City Hall payment windows and Atlanta Watershed forms.
Master-metered property
Some apartments, condos, multi-unit commercial and industrial sites are served through one master meter and cannot open individual DWM accounts.
Metro Atlanta county/city service
DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Clayton or a city utility may bill properties near Atlanta but outside DWM’s retail service route.
Bill clue |
Use this route |
Verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
Bill lists Department of Watershed Management, ATL311, payatlwateronline.com, 55 Trinity or 72 Marietta. |
Use this Atlanta DWM guide and official DWM payment portal. |
Account number, service address and customer name. |
Bill says DeKalb County Watershed, Fulton County, City of East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs, Chamblee or another provider. |
Use that provider’s portal and phone number. |
Do not use DWM portal unless the bill is truly City of Atlanta DWM. |
Apartment rent ledger includes water/sewer. |
Ask property manager whether the building is master-metered or submetered. |
Lease utility clause, billing company name and whether tenant should open a DWM account. |
Condo/HOA bill includes water. |
Ask HOA/association management before contacting DWM for individual account setup. |
DWM says some master-metered communities cannot set up individual accounts. |
New purchase near city boundary. |
Use DWM service-area lookup and closing documents. |
Check city limits, parcel/service address and existing meter/account status. |
Pay or Log In to Atlanta Water Utility Online
The official DWM Customer Payment Portal is the best starting point for online bill pay, account access and Pay-by-Text enrollment. If the account is already in a shutoff, reconnect or disputed-bill situation, call DWM after paying so the payment and service status are linked.
Open the official payment portal
Use payatlwateronline.com/app or the “DWM Customer Payment Portal” link from AtlantaWatershed.org.
Enter the account details exactly from the bill
Use the account number and customer/service details from your statement. Do not use a property-tax parcel number or apartment resident ledger number unless the portal asks for it.
Choose routine payment or registered account tools
Pay online for a single bill, or register for account management and Pay-by-Text if you want future alerts and text-payment options.
Save proof
Download or screenshot the confirmation number, amount, date/time, account number and payment method. Keep it until the next bill confirms posting.
Call if timing matters
For delinquent, shutoff, restoration, disputed, adjustment or PromisePay accounts, call 311 or 404-546-0311 after payment and ask what status remains.
Payment route |
Use when |
Need ready |
Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
Online portal |
You want the fastest routine DWM payment route. |
Account number, service address/customer data and payment method. |
Use official payatlwateronline.com/app, not third-party lookalike payment pages. |
Phone payment |
You cannot access the portal or need phone guidance. |
Account number, balance and payment method. |
Call 404-546-0311. |
Bank bill pay |
You routinely pay from your bank account. |
Exact payee, account number and DWM remittance details. |
Bank bill pay can take several days and may not stop a time-sensitive delinquency. |
Pay-by-Text |
You want text reminders/payment options. |
Online registration and enrollment. |
Requires registering online first. |
Walk-in payment |
You need receipt, cash/card/check/money order handling or urgent account review. |
Bill, account number, ID if needed and payment method. |
Payment windows are listed at Atlanta City Hall and 72 Marietta; call first before visiting. |
Night drop box |
After-hours check or money-order drop-off. |
Check/money order and account number. |
68 Mitchell Street entrance; not suitable for immediate restoration unless DWM confirms. |
Western Union / Walmart |
You prefer an authorized retail payment route. |
Bill/account number and payment location details. |
Ask for receipt and allow for posting time. |
PromisePay |
You have past-due balance and qualify for a flexible plan. |
Account information and eligibility check. |
Plans can run 2-12 months for eligible residential and commercial customers. |
Start, Stop or Transfer Atlanta Water and Sewer Service
Before opening a DWM account, confirm that the address is in DWM’s service area and not master-metered. If applying online or by fax, the fees and deposits can be included on the first bill; if applying in person, DWM says fees and deposits are required at the time of application.
Owner
Only the deed holder can apply. Bring ownership proof and valid government ID.
Renter
Only the lease holder can apply. Current lease must include terms page and signature page.
Business
Business applicants need ownership/lease-type documents, ID, EIN SS-4 and authorization when applicable.
Applicant / task |
Required documents |
Fees / deposits shown |
Important delay triggers |
|---|---|---|---|
Property owner start service |
New Service Application; closing statement, Closing Disclosure, HUD/Settlement Statement, HUD-1, warranty deed, or tax information if name/address not on deed; valid government ID. |
$80 deposit listed, with prices varying by meter size; $15 account establishment fee. |
Only deed holder can apply. Purchase-sale agreement or management agreement is not accepted. |
Rental customer start service |
New Service Application; current lease agreement including terms page and signature page; valid government ID. |
$80 deposit listed, with prices varying by meter size; $15 account establishment fee. |
Only lease holder can apply. Subleases are not accepted. |
Business start service |
Application; closing/deed/tax information; government ID; EIN SS-4 IRS form; authorization letter on company letterhead if applicant is not owner of business. |
$80 deposit listed, with meter-size variation; $15 account establishment fee. |
Missing EIN, unsigned authorization, false documentation or expired ID can delay service. |
Apply online |
Use DWM online application and upload complete documents. |
Fees/deposits can be included on first DWM bill. |
Check service area and master-meter status first. |
Apply by fax |
Download New Service Application and fax application/documents to 404-979-6787. |
Fees/deposits can be included on first DWM bill. |
Unreadable or incomplete fax submissions can delay service. |
Apply in person |
Bring application, documents and fees to 55 Trinity Ave., Suite 1650 or 72 Marietta St. |
Fees/deposits are required at application time. |
DWM page lists in-person application hours as 9 AM-4 PM. |
End service |
Use Disconnect Water/Sewer Service Request form or customer portal if you have online account access. |
Final bill applies based on final usage and unpaid balance. |
If you move or sell without disconnecting, you can remain liable for later water use. |
Atlanta Water and Sewer Rates for 2026
DWM says the current monthly water and sewer rate structure runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028. Atlanta’s core water/sewer rates have not increased since 2012, but some customers can still see higher totals from usage changes, Fulton County sewer charges, late fees, adjustments, base charges and customer-side leaks.
1 CCF
One CCF equals 748 gallons.
Base charge
DWM adjustment page lists $6.56 as the base charge for water and sewer service.
Tiered billing
Usage tiers are 1-3 CCF, 4-6 CCF and 7+ CCF.
Late fee
5% of delinquent balance or $5, whichever is greater.
Bill item |
2026 guidance |
How to use it |
|---|---|---|
Water/sewer rate structure |
Maintained from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028. |
Use current DWM rate page or bill calculator for exact estimate. |
Atlanta rate history |
DWM says Atlanta water and sewer rates have not increased since 2012. |
Do not assume a higher bill is caused by a new city rate unless DWM confirms a specific line item. |
CCF conversion |
1 CCF = 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons. |
Multiply bill CCF by 748 to estimate gallons used. |
Base charge |
$6.56 for water inside/outside city and for sewer, as described on DWM adjustment page. |
Base charge is the minimum charge and is separate from usage. |
Usage tiers |
Tier 1: 1-3 CCF; Tier 2: 4-6 CCF; Tier 3: 7+ CCF. |
Higher usage moves into higher tiered billing calculations. |
Fulton County sewer charge |
DWM page notes Fulton County approved 5% volumetric increases effective Jan. 1, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027. |
Some accounts may see Fulton County-related sewer service/usage lines in addition to DWM charges. |
Bill calculator |
DWM offers a free bill calculator tool. |
Use calculator for property-specific estimate instead of hand-calculating every tier. |
Late fee |
5% of delinquent account balance or $5, whichever is greater. |
Ask DWM for exact payoff if delinquent because partial payments may leave fee/balance. |
Late Bills, PromisePay, Care & Conserve and Senior Discount
Atlanta now has several routes for customers who are behind or need relief. Use PromisePay for eligible repayment plans, Care & Conserve for qualified bill and plumbing assistance, and the senior discount for eligible older customers who receive a direct City of Atlanta water/sewer bill.
Need |
Program / route |
Key requirements |
Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Past-due balance and need a plan |
PromisePay |
Eligible residential and commercial customers can enroll in customized repayment plans from 2 to 12 months. |
Check eligibility at AtlantaWatershed.org/PromisePay or use official text link if received. |
Payment date flexibility |
PromisePay |
Program allows eligible customers to manage plan online and request date change, short-term extension or re-enrollment where available. |
Use plan dashboard instead of missing a payment silently. |
Low/moderate-income bill assistance |
Care & Conserve |
Must receive a water bill directly from City of Atlanta, live at property, have active legal water service, meet residence/income rules, and account must have gone through 6 billing cycles with $300+ past due at application time. |
Call 404-546-3620 or follow Care & Conserve instructions; do not submit documents until a representative confirms eligibility. |
Plumbing repair support |
Care & Conserve plumbing repair assistance |
Provided through grant funding to local nonprofits for qualified homeowners. |
Use Care & Conserve plumbing assistance page and prepare proof of ownership/residency/income if requested. |
Senior citizen discount |
30% water/sewer discount |
Age 65+, household income $25,000 or less, primary titleholder/leaseholder, proof of residency, and direct City of Atlanta water/sewer bill. |
Contact DWM at 404-546-0311 or pick up application at listed City/Fulton senior/recreation/customer service locations. |
Bill is wrong because of leak/error/fee |
Account Adjustment Request |
Written request within 12 months of payment due date and full proof if leak repair is claimed. |
Use ATL311, email/mail/in-person submission and pay any required temporary payment amount within 20 days of acknowledgement. |
Past-due strategy: ask DWM which path fits your account before choosing. PromisePay is a repayment-plan tool, Care & Conserve is an assistance program with eligibility rules, and an adjustment request is for billing errors, fees, penalties, qualifying leaks, meter leaks or department error.
High Atlanta Water Bill, Leak Check and Adjustment Request
DWM’s own leak examples show how quickly a small defect can become a large bill: a slow drip can reach about 4,320 gallons per month, a leaky toilet flapper about 10,800 gallons, and a running toilet about 108,000 gallons. Check the source of the usage before disputing the total.
Toilets first
Toilet flappers and running toilets are common hidden leaks that may not be visible or audible.
Use CCF math
Convert each CCF to 748 gallons to compare bill usage with real household behavior.
Proof matters
Leak adjustments need satisfactory proof the leak existed and was repaired; paid invoices or parts receipts help.
High-bill check |
How to check |
Next step |
|---|---|---|
Usage in CCF |
Find CCF on the bill and multiply by 748 gallons. |
Compare with prior bill and same month last year. |
Toilet flapper leak |
Put dye in toilet tank, wait without flushing, and see whether color reaches bowl. |
Repair, keep receipt and document date. |
Running toilet |
Listen for refill cycling or water moving after flush is complete. |
Shut off fixture and repair immediately; running toilets can create huge monthly usage. |
Outdoor faucet, hose or sprinkler system |
Check spigots, hose sprayers, irrigation zones and wet spots. |
Turn off at spigot/controller and repair broken equipment. |
Service line between meter and building |
Look for wet patches, sinkholes, pressure drop or meter movement when no water is used. |
Customer-side line from meter to house is homeowner responsibility. |
City-side line from main to meter |
Water near street, hydrant, main or meter pit may be city-side. |
Call 404-546-0311 and report exact location. |
Billing error, meter leak, fees or department error |
Compare bill dates, meter reads, payment history and fee descriptions. |
Submit Account Adjustment Request in writing within 12 months of the bill due date. |
Adjustment request already filed |
Watch for Adjustment Acknowledgement Letter. |
Pay the required Temporary Payment Amount within 20 days or request may not be processed. |
Adjustment rule: submitting an adjustment request does not stop the obligation to pay undisputed past, current or future charges. Keep paying normal undisputed bills while DWM reviews the disputed period.
Report Leaks, Main Breaks, Sewer Spills, Low Pressure and Brown Water
Problem |
What it may mean |
Best route |
Have ready |
|---|---|---|---|
Clear water with chlorine smell |
Likely water-system leak. |
Call 404-546-0311. |
Exact address/cross street, hydrant/meter/main location, flow direction and photos if safe. |
Leak at hydrant or meter |
Could involve city infrastructure or meter area. |
Call 404-546-0311 and ask for DWM field response. |
Meter number if visible, address and whether water is entering street/property. |
Leak from main to meter |
DWM page describes main-to-meter repairs as City responsibility. |
Report to DWM. |
Location and visible water details. |
Leak from meter to house |
DWM describes meter-to-house repairs as homeowner responsibility. |
Call plumber; call DWM if shutoff/meter help is needed. |
Plumber notes, repair receipts and account number. |
Cloudy leak with sewage or stormwater smell |
Likely sewer/stormwater problem. |
Call 404-546-0311. |
Exact location, odor, overflow, manhole/cleanout location and affected properties. |
Sudden low pressure affecting several homes |
Could be main leak or pump-station issue. |
Report system-related low pressure to 404-546-0311. |
Address, neighbors affected and start time. |
Low pressure only inside home |
May be plumbing debris, closed valves, leak or private plumbing issue. |
Check valves and call plumber if isolated. |
Which fixtures are affected and whether neighbors have normal pressure. |
Brown water / bad taste |
Sediment stirred by repairs or line breaks. |
Run cold water from an outside faucet 15-20 minutes; call if it does not clear. |
Hot/cold comparison, color, taste, time started and neighborhood impact. |
Emergency number: for water and sewer emergencies, call 404-546-0311. DWM says the Customer Care Call Center is active 24/7 for sewer-related problems and crews are available around the clock for sewer needs.
Water Quality, Boil Advisories, Reports and Water Supply
For water quality questions, use DWM and ATL311 rather than social media screenshots. DWM posts water quality reports and public notices, and the Water Supply Program increased Atlanta’s water reserve beyond the older three-day supply target.
Need |
Official route |
What to check |
|---|---|---|
Annual water quality report |
Open the latest report before quoting testing values or compliance language. |
|
Water quality complaint |
Call 404-982-1468 or use 404-546-0311 for customer service routing. |
Color, odor, taste, hot/cold comparison, fixtures affected and neighbors affected. |
Boil water advisory |
Check Atlanta Watershed newsroom, ATL311, NotifyATL and official social channels. |
Exact affected area and whether advisory has been lifted after clean sampling. |
Brown water |
Run cold water from outside faucet 15-20 minutes; call if not clear. |
Whether issue appeared after repair, main break or outage. |
Service interruption |
Use Water Service Interruptions Map and DWM traffic/news updates. |
Street closure, project, main break, repair timeline and affected area. |
Bellwood / Water Supply Program |
DWM Water Supply Program pages. |
Reservoir is restricted; recreational access is prohibited because it is drinking-water infrastructure. |
Lead/service line question |
Use DWM/ATL311 and latest DWM public notices. |
Service address, account holder, any letter received and private plumbing history. |
Atlanta Water Utility Office, Payment Locations and Map
Customer Service / ATL311
Dial: 311 inside Atlanta
Outside city: 404-546-0311
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM-7 PM
Online: ATL311.com available 24/7/365
Walk-In Payment Windows
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
2 City Plaza
72 Marietta Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Listed hours: 8:15 AM-5 PM
Special Contacts
Care & Conserve: 404-546-3620
Water Quality: 404-982-1468
Engineering: 404-546-3282
Communications: 404-546-3200
Location / contact |
Address / phone |
Use for |
|---|---|---|
DWM Administrative Offices |
72 Marietta Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303. |
DWM administration, customer service walk-in routing, forms and in-person support. |
Atlanta City Hall payment window |
55 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. |
Bill payments, in-person customer service and certain service forms. |
Night deposit box |
68 Mitchell Street entrance of Atlanta City Hall. |
After-hours check or money-order payments only. |
ATL311 / DWM Customer Service |
311 or 404-546-0311. |
Billing, payment, service requests, leaks, main breaks, sewer spills, pressure issues and after-hours emergency routing. |
Care & Conserve |
404-546-3620. |
Qualified bill-payment assistance and plumbing-repair assistance routing. |
Water quality issues |
404-982-1468. |
Water taste, odor, color and water-quality concerns. |
Water Utility Atlanta FAQ
What is the Atlanta water bill phone number?
Dial 311 inside Atlanta or call 404-546-0311 for City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management customer service, billing, payments, leaks, sewer issues and water emergencies.
Where do I pay my Atlanta water bill online?
Use the official DWM Customer Payment Portal at payatlwateronline.com/app. You can also start from AtlantaWatershed.org and click the DWM Customer Payment Portal link.
Where can I pay an Atlanta water bill in person?
DWM lists payment windows at Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. SW, and 2 City Plaza, 72 Marietta Street NE. The listed payment-window hours are 8:15 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, but customers should call 404-546-0311 before visiting if service status or office access matters.
What is the Atlanta water bill late fee?
The City of Atlanta code requires DWM to charge a late fee on delinquent water/sewer bills of 5% of the account balance or $5, whichever is greater.
How do I start City of Atlanta water service?
Use DWM Start My Service. Owners need a New Service Application, ownership proof and valid government ID. Renters need a New Service Application, current lease with terms and signature pages, and valid ID. DWM lists an $80 deposit, varying by meter size, and a $15 account establishment fee.
How do I stop Atlanta water service?
Use the DWM End My Service page, Disconnect Water/Sewer Service Request form or the DWM customer portal if registered. If you move or sell without disconnecting service, you can remain liable for water use after you leave.
What is PromisePay for Atlanta water bills?
PromisePay is DWM’s flexible payment-plan program for eligible residential and commercial customers with past-due water bills. Plans can range from two to twelve months and can be managed online.
How do I dispute a high Atlanta water bill?
Use DWM’s Account Adjustment Request process. Requests must be in writing, use the approved form, be complete, and be received within 12 months of the bill’s “Payment Due By” date. Leak requests must include proof that the leak existed and was repaired.
Who is responsible for leaks between the meter and the house?
DWM’s report-a-problem guidance says leaks in distribution lines from the meter to the house are the homeowner’s responsibility, while leaks from the main to the meter are the City’s responsibility.
Who qualifies for the Atlanta water senior discount?
Eligible senior customers may receive a 30% discount if they are 65 or older, have household income of $25,000 or less, are the primary titleholder or leaseholder, provide required proof, and receive a water/sewer bill directly from the City of Atlanta.
30-Second Atlanta Water Utility Checklist
Pay/login: use payatlwateronline.com/app for the official DWM Customer Payment Portal.
Phone: dial 311 inside Atlanta or 404-546-0311 outside city limits, for customer service and emergency routing.
Walk-in: payment windows are listed at 55 Trinity Ave. SW and 72 Marietta Street NE.
Late fee: delinquent bills can receive 5% of balance or $5, whichever is greater.
Start service: check service area/master meter first, then submit owner/renter/business documents, deposit and establishment fee.
Stop service: request disconnect before moving or selling, or you may remain liable for later use.
High bill: check CCF, toilets, hose/sprinkler, meter-to-house line, fees and adjustment deadline.
Need help: use PromisePay for eligible repayment plans, Care & Conserve for qualified assistance, and senior discount if eligible.

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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