Where to send your NY&C payment
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sends water and sewer bills to property owners. You can pay online, by mail, or in person — each method has different timing and requirements.
The fastest way is the DEP's online payment portal at nyc.gov/dep. You'll need your account number (on your bill) and can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. There's no fee for this method. If you pay online, the system confirms receipt right away, which matters if you're close to a late date.
By mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach DEP, so if your due date is soon, mail is risky. You can also pay in person at DEP customer service offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island during business hours — bring your bill and a form of payment.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through nyc.gov/dep is the fastest method and has no fee, with confirmation happening immediately.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so pay early if you use this method to avoid late fees.
- Late fees start 30 days after the due date, and the city can place a lien on your property if the bill remains unpaid for over a year.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact DEP about a payment plan before the bill becomes overdue.
Understanding your bill amount and due date
NYC water and sewer bills are issued quarterly (four times per year). The due date is printed on the front of your bill, usually 30 days from the issue date. Your bill covers water usage, sewer charges, and sometimes a stormwater fee depending on your property type.
The usage charges are based on meter readings. If you have a water meter, DEP reads it or you may be able to read it yourself through their online portal. Sewer charges are typically calculated as a percentage of your water usage. If you think your bill is wrong — the amount seems too high or you see no usage when you were home — you can request a meter test or review through DEP's customer service line at 311 (in NYC) or 212-639-9675 (outside NYC).
What happens if you miss a payment
A late fee of 10 percent of the unpaid balance is added 30 days after your due date. If the bill stays unpaid for 60 days, another 10 percent penalty is added. After one year of non-payment, the city can file a lien against your property, which means you cannot sell or refinance without paying the debt first.
If you receive a notice that your account is in arrears, contact DEP immediately. The city offers payment plans for overdue balances, and you can set one up before collection action begins. A payment plan stops late fees from continuing to pile up and gives you time to catch up without losing your property rights.
Setting up automatic payments
You can arrange automatic monthly or quarterly payments through the DEP website. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and is especially useful if you have a payment plan. Set it up in your account portal under "Billing" or "Payment Options."
Automatic payments deduct from your bank account on a date you choose. You can change or cancel the arrangement anytime through your online account. If you switch to automatic payments, keep your bill statements for your records — they show what was charged and when.
Disputing a charge or requesting a meter test
If your bill jumps unexpectedly or you believe there's an error, request a meter test before paying. DEP will test your meter at no cost if the test shows a malfunction. If the meter is working correctly, you may be charged a fee for the test, though this varies.
To request a test, call 311 (in NYC) or 212-639-9675 and provide your account number and the reason you think the meter is wrong. DEP will schedule a technician visit. While the test is pending, you can still pay your bill on time to avoid late fees — the dispute doesn't pause the due date. If the test finds a problem, DEP will adjust your bill retroactively.
Help if you cannot afford your bill
New York City offers a Residential Assistance and Hardship Program for property owners with low or fixed incomes. The program can reduce your water and sewer charges based on your household income. You must own the property and live in it as your primary residence.
To learn about this program, contact DEP at 311 or visit nyc.gov/dep and search for "Residential Assistance." You'll need to provide proof of income and ownership. The process takes several weeks, so apply before your bill becomes overdue if possible. If you're already behind, mention the hardship program when you call about a payment plan — DEP staff can tell you whether you may be on track for a reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?
The DEP online portal accepts debit cards and bank account transfers, but not credit cards. If you need to use a credit card, you can call 311 to ask about phone payment options, though availability varies. Paying by mail with a check or money order is always an option.
What if my water is shut off for non-payment?
DEP can shut off water service after a bill is unpaid for over a year and a lien has been filed. Before shutoff happens, you receive multiple notices. If your water is shut off, contact DEP immediately — you'll need to pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. A payment plan may not be enough to restore water once it's been cut.
How do I know if my account number is correct?
Your account number is printed on every bill you receive, usually near the top. It's a unique identifier for your property. If you've lost your bill, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/dep to look up your account using your address and property owner name.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You can pay online using their account number, or by mail by including it on your check. The payment will be credited to that account. You don't need to be the property owner to make a payment.
What if I'm a renter and my landlord won't pay the water bill?
In New York, landlords are legally required to pay water and sewer charges — tenants cannot be billed directly. If your landlord is not paying and the water is at risk of shutoff, contact the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) at 311 to report a housing code violation. You can also withhold rent in an escrow account under New York law, though you should consult a tenant rights organization first.