Where your NYC water bill goes and how to send payment

Your NYC water bill is issued by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and payment goes directly to the city. You can pay online through the DEP website, by mail, in person at a payment center, or by phone. The fastest way is online — the payment posts the same day if you submit it before 11:59 p.m. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the processing center, so if your bill is due soon, mailing is risky.

Your bill arrives every three months (quarterly), and the due date is printed on the front. If you miss the due date, the city adds a 10 percent late charge to your balance. After 30 days past due, you may see a notice of violation. After 60 days, the city can file a lien against your property or shut off your water service.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at the DEP website (a.c.e.pay.nycweb.com) for same-day posting, or by phone at 311 to speak with someone who can process your payment over the call.
  • Mail payments to the address on your bill, but allow 7 to 10 business days for the city to receive and post it — do not mail if your due date is within two weeks.
  • Late charges are 10 percent of your bill, and the city can shut off water or place a lien on your property if you stay 60 days past due.
  • You can set up automatic quarterly payments through the DEP website so the bill is paid on the due date without you having to remember.

Paying online through the DEP website

The DEP's online payment system is called ACE Pay, and you access it at a.c.e.pay.nycweb.com. You will need your bill number (a 10-digit code on the front of your bill) and the amount you want to pay. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you use a credit card, the DEP charges a 2.5 percent convenience fee on top of your bill amount.

Once you submit the payment, the system gives you a confirmation number when ready. The money posts to your account the same day if you pay before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. If you pay after midnight, it posts the next business day. You do not need to create an account or log in — you can pay as a guest each time.

If you want to avoid logging in each quarter, you can set up automatic payments through the same website. You provide your bank account or card information once, and the DEP withdraws the full bill amount on the due date each quarter. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the website.

Paying by phone with 311

Call 311 from any phone in New York City and tell the representative you want to pay your water bill. They will ask for your bill number and the amount you want to pay, then process your payment over the phone using a debit card or credit card. The payment posts the same day. If you call after hours, you can leave a callback number and a representative will call you back during business hours.

Paying by phone takes longer than paying online because you have to wait for a representative, but it is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone. There is no convenience fee for phone payments.

Paying by mail

If you pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "NYC Department of Environmental Protection" and include your bill number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes depending on which borough you live in. The processing center typically receives mail within 7 to 10 business days, and posting to your account takes another few days after that.

Because mail is slow, only use this method if your due date is at least two weeks away. If you are within two weeks of the due date, pay online or by phone instead. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records in case you need to prove you sent payment.

Paying in person at a payment center

The DEP operates payment centers in each borough where you can pay in cash, check, or money order in person. You will need your bill number. The payment posts the same day you submit it. Payment centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours; hours vary by location. You can find the address and hours of the center nearest you on the DEP website.

Paying in person is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay in cash. Bring your bill or your bill number so the representative can process the payment correctly.

What happens if you miss the due date

If your payment does not reach the DEP by the due date on your bill, a 10 percent late charge is added to your balance. This charge is calculated on the full bill amount, not just the unpaid portion. For example, if your bill is $200 and you pay 10 days late, you owe $220.

If you stay 30 days past due, the city sends you a notice of violation. If you stay 60 days past due, the city can place a lien on your property (a legal claim against your home) or shut off your water service. A lien stays on your property record until the debt is paid and can affect your ability to sell or refinance your home. Water shutoff is rare but does happen — the city must send you written notice before shutting off service.

If you fall behind, contact the DEP as soon as possible. You may be able to set up a payment plan to avoid late charges, lien, or shutoff. Call 311 to discuss your options.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late charges

The easiest way to never miss a due date is to set up automatic quarterly payments through the DEP website. You provide your bank account or card information once, and the DEP withdraws the full bill amount on the due date each quarter. The payment posts when ready, so you never have to think about it again.

To set up automatic payments, go to a.c.e.pay.nycweb.com, enter your bill number, and select the option to enroll in automatic payments. You can change the payment amount, pause payments, or cancel anytime through the same website. If your bill amount changes (which it does quarterly), the new amount is automatically deducted the next quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's water bill?

Yes. You need their bill number and the amount owed. You can pay online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as paying your own bill. The payment will be credited to their account.

What if I pay too much by accident?

The DEP will credit the overpayment to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact the DEP through 311 and request one. Refunds typically take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.

Is there a discount if I pay the full year upfront?

No. The DEP does not offer discounts for early or lump-sum payment. You pay the same amount whether you pay quarterly or all at once.

What if my water bill seems too high?

Contact the DEP through 311 to request a meter reading or investigation. High bills are often caused by a leak in your building's pipes. The DEP can help you identify the problem and may adjust your bill if an error is found.

Can I dispute a charge on my water bill?

Yes. Contact the DEP through 311 with your bill number and an explanation of the charge you dispute. They will investigate and may adjust your bill if they find an error. You should still pay the undisputed portion by the due date to avoid late charges while the dispute is being reviewed.