Do You Pay for Water in NYC? How Charges Work

New York City residents and property owners are responsible for paying for their water usage and sewer services. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees these services. Water in the city operates as a metered utility, similar to electricity or natural gas, with charges based on consumption.

How NYC Water and Sewer Charges Work

Water consumption in New York City is measured by water meters in properties. Meters track usage, and bills reflect the volume consumed. Properties are billed based on this consumption, measured in hundred cubic feet (HCF), where one HCF equals 748 gallons. As of July 1, 2025, the metered rate for water is $5.05 per 100 cubic feet.

Sewer (wastewater) charges are calculated as a percentage of water consumption, as water entering a property becomes wastewater. As of July 1, 2025, the combined water and sewer charge is $13.07 per 100 cubic feet. Bills are issued quarterly for most customers. Property owners are responsible to the DEP for these charges. Tenant water and sewer costs may be included in rent or billed separately, depending on their lease and building setup.

Water bills include usage and sewer charges, plus other service fees. A minimum charge applies even if no water is used. Property owners must notify the DEP of property transfers or mailing address changes, as they are legally obligated to pay.

Managing Your Water and Sewer Bill

Customers receive water and sewer bills by mail or electronically via the My DEP Account online portal. The portal allows users to:
Access account details.
Review billing history.
View past bills.
Monitor water usage.
My DEP Account sign-up also enables eBilling and leak notification emails, alerting users to unusual usage that might indicate a leak.

Several methods are available for bill payment. Payments can be made online via My DEP Account or Quick Pay without logging in. Automatic recurring payments, deducted directly from a bank account or credit card, are also an option. Other payment avenues include:
Phone.
Mail.
In-person at DEP Borough Offices.
NYC Department of Finance Business Centers.
A 2.25% convenience fee applies to credit or debit card payments.

When reviewing a bill, key elements to examine include the account number, billing period, total amount due, due date, and consumption breakdown. If a customer believes their bill is inaccurate, they can inquire about or dispute it by contacting DEP customer service. Formal disputes must be submitted in writing within four years of the bill date. The DEP aims to provide a written decision within 90 days. Filing a dispute does not stop interest accrual on unpaid balances.

Water Bill Assistance Programs

Various programs help eligible customers manage their water and sewer bills, particularly for those with low incomes or facing financial hardship. These programs can include discounts, debt forgiveness initiatives, and flexible payment plans. The New York State Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), for example, offers one-time payments of up to $5,000 to resolve overdue bills for eligible homeowners. Additionally, the DEP may match up to an extra $5,000 for customers who receive LIHWAP, potentially resulting in up to $10,000 in combined savings on delinquent balances.

The Home Water Assistance Program (HWAP) provides an annual, non-refundable credit of $145 to eligible low-income homeowners. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income thresholds or enrollment in other assistance programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or property tax exemptions such as the Senior Citizens Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) or Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE). Many assistance programs, like HWAP, do not require a separate enrollment application; eligible customers are automatically credited. Information about these programs and how to apply can be found on the DEP website or by contacting customer service.