NYC's online water payment system works through DEP Connect, the Department of Environmental Protection's portal
You can pay your New York City water bill online using DEP Connect, which is the official system run by the Department of Environmental Protection. The portal lets you pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. You will need your water account number, which appears on your paper bill, to log in or make a one-time payment without creating an account.
The system is available 24 hours a day. Payment processing typically takes one to two business days, though the system confirms your payment immediately after you submit it. If you pay by the due date shown on your bill, you will not be charged a late fee, even if processing takes a day or two.
Key Takeaways
- Go to a841-dofwater.nyc.gov to access DEP Connect, where you can pay with a card or bank account.
- You need your water account number to pay online; it is printed on your bill in the upper right corner.
- One-time payments do not require you to create an account, but setting up an account lets you view past bills and set up automatic payments.
- Payments are confirmed immediately but may take one to two business days to process and show on your account.
- You can also pay by phone at 311 or through the mail if online payment does not work for you.
Finding your water account number before you pay
Your water account number is a nine-digit code printed on your bill. Look in the upper right corner of the first page — it appears next to "Account Number" or "Service Address Account Number." If you have lost your bill, you can find the number by calling 311 and providing your address, or by logging into DEP Connect with your address and date of birth.
Some households have more than one water account if they own multiple properties or if the city split a single address into separate units. Make sure you are paying the correct account number. If you are unsure which account is yours, 311 can confirm it over the phone.
How to make a one-time payment without creating an account
Visit a841-dofwater.nyc.gov and select "Pay My Bill." You will be asked for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account using your routing number and account number.
After you enter your information, the system will show you a confirmation screen with the payment amount and the date it will be processed. Write down or take a screenshot of the confirmation number — you will need it if you have questions about the payment later. The system will also send a confirmation email to the address you provide.
Setting up an account to manage your water bill online
Creating a DEP Connect account takes about five minutes and lets you view your bill history, see your current balance, and set up automatic monthly payments. Go to a841-dofwater.nyc.gov, select "Create Account," and enter your account number, address, and date of birth. The system will send a verification code to your email address — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.
Once you are logged in, you can download past bills as PDF files, see the due date for your next bill, and view a breakdown of your water and sewer charges. If you set up automatic payments, the system will charge your card or bank account on the same day each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back into your account.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If you owe money and cannot pay it all at once, you have options. You can set up a payment plan through DEP Connect by selecting "Payment Plans" after you log in. The system will show you available plans based on what you owe. Most plans spread the balance over three to twelve months with no interest added.
You can also call 311 to discuss your situation with a representative. If you are facing hardship, the city has programs that may help with water bill debt. A 311 representative can tell you whether you might be may be able to access and how to move forward. Having your account number ready will speed up the call.
Payment methods and fees
DEP Connect accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers at no extra charge to you. The system does not add a processing fee for any payment method. However, your credit card company or bank may charge you a fee if you use a credit card — check your card's terms if you are concerned.
Paying by mail is also free. You can send a check or money order to the address on your bill. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days — so send them early if you are close to the due date. Paying online or by phone is faster and gives you an immediate confirmation.
Paying by phone if you prefer not to use the website
You can pay your water bill by phone by calling 311 from anywhere in New York City. A representative will ask for your account number and payment method. Phone payments work the same way as online payments — they are confirmed immediately but may take one to two business days to process.
If you are outside New York City, call 212-639-9675 instead of 311. The phone system is available during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready before you call to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my bill still shows as unpaid?
Online payments take one to two business days to process and appear on your account. If more than two business days have passed and your account still shows unpaid, log back into DEP Connect and check your payment history. You should see your payment listed with a confirmation number. If the payment is not there, call 311 with your confirmation number to investigate.
Can I pay someone else's water bill online?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Go to the DEP Connect website, select "Pay My Bill," and enter their account number instead of your own. The payment will be applied to their account. You do not need their permission to make a one-time payment, but you cannot access their account details or set up automatic payments without their authorization.
Is it safe to enter my bank account information on DEP Connect?
DEP Connect is the official city system and uses encryption to protect your information. Your bank account details are handled the same way as they would be if you paid a bill directly through your bank's website. If you are uncomfortable entering your bank account number, you can use a debit or credit card instead.
What happens if I miss the due date?
If you pay after the due date, you will be charged a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how much you owe. You can still pay online after the due date — the late fee will be added to your next bill. If you are having trouble paying, call 311 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs before you fall behind.
Can I set up automatic payments for a partial amount?
No, automatic payments through DEP Connect charge your full bill each month. If you want to pay a set amount each month toward a balance, you can make manual payments online or by phone instead. You can also call 311 to set up a custom payment plan that fits your budget.