Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Guide

ABCWUA • bill pay • login • phone menu • emergency dispatch • low-income help

Water Authority Fast Desk: Pay, Log In, Call, Report or Stop a Turn-Off

Use this guide like a customer-service counter. Pick the task, open the official route, prepare the right account details, and avoid payment, reconnection, emergency, or water-waste mistakes.

Quick Answer Board

Main number505-842-9287 / WATR
Customer center1441 Mission Ave. NE
Mailing addressP.O. Box 568, Albuquerque
Need Official route Have ready Do not miss
One-time payment E-Bill Express ABCWUA Pay Now 10-digit ABCWUA account number and 5-digit service ZIP code. Guest Pay is for quick payment; save confirmation before closing.
Account login / recurring pay Water Authority My Account Email/login, password, account number, secure device. Portal supports account balance/payment history, saved banking, recurring payments, and multiple accounts.
Pay by phone Call 505-842-WATR, Option 2. Account number, payment method, amount due. Use Option 0 instead for billing dispute, turn-off, or pay-plan help.
Billing / general issue Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0. Account number, service address, bill copy, notice, payment proof. Call center regular business hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Water/sewer emergency Call 505-842-WATR, Option 1. Exact location, cross street, type of issue, safety risk, time started. Dispatch Center is available 24/7 for water and sewer emergencies.
Water off / turn-off notice Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0. Turn-off notice, account balance, guaranteed funds/payment ability. Same-day restore action must be completed by 2:00 PM MT.
Low-income help Help for Low Income Customers Income proof, account bill, turn-off notice if applying for WAF. LIC is for homeowners; WAF is emergency help for homeowners or tenants with a turn-off notice.
Water waste / overspray Call 505-842-WATR, Option 5. Address, date/time, photo/video if safe, type of waste. Equipment malfunctions must be repaired or turned off within 48 hours after notification.

Fast safety note: never turn water back on yourself after a non-payment shutoff. ABCWUA says only authorized Water Authority personnel may turn it back on.

Phone Menu: Call the Right Option

Option 0

Billing, payments, general issues, turn-off warning, pay-plan questions.

Option 1

Water/sewer emergencies, sewer backups, broken water mains, emergency turn-offs.

Option 2

Make a payment over the phone.

Option 4 / 5

Option 4 conservation/rebates. Option 5 water waste reporting.

OptionUse forWhat to say first
0Bill balance, late bill, payment posting, service shutoff, pay plan, account issue.“I need account help for [10-digit account number] at [service address].”
124-hour water/sewer emergency, sewer backup/overflow, broken water main, emergency water turn-off.“This is a water/sewer emergency at [exact location].”
2Phone payment.“I want to pay account [number].”
3Construction services, connection permits, work-order fees, new development questions.“I need construction/new service guidance for [project/address].”
4Water conservation and rebates.“I need rebate or conservation guidance for [property address].”
5Report water waste, overspray, time-of-day watering issue, equipment malfunction.“I am reporting water waste at [address/location].”
6Cockroach control.“I need cockroach control service information for [address].”
7Report concerns about Water Authority vehicle operation.“I want to report a Water Authority vehicle concern.”

Official Address, Offices and Locality

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Customer Service Center

1441 Mission Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107

Lobby: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

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Customer contact

Phone: 505-842-WATR / 505-842-9287

Email: webcustomerservice@abcwua.org

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Administrative office

One Civic Plaza NW, Room 5027
Albuquerque, NM 87102

Executive/Admin: 505-289-3000

Local area / districtWhy it mattersUser action
City of AlbuquerqueABCWUA handles water and wastewater utility service; City trash appears on some utility bills.For trash bill questions, call City Solid Waste at 505-761-8100.
Bernalillo CountyThe Water Authority serves about 95% of Bernalillo County residents and about one-third of unincorporated county water customers.Confirm provider by bill/account before paying.
Village of Los RanchosRepresented on the Water Authority board as a non-voting member.Use ABCWUA account if the property bill is from the Water Authority.
Downtown AlbuquerqueCurbside drop box is listed at 5th & Marquette by City Hall.Use for drop-box payment, but keep proof and avoid cash.
Construction / development areasConnection permits, work-order fees, maps, records and availability requests route through construction/services contacts.Call 505-842-WATR Option 3 before submitting development paperwork.

Pay Bill or Login: Exact Steps

Choose the official route

Use E-Bill Express for Pay Now/Guest Pay or Water Authority My Account for profile, recurring payments and account history.

Enter the account correctly

Pay Now asks for the 10-digit ABCWUA account number and 5-digit service ZIP code.

Pick payment type

ABCWUA lists bank draft, online guest pay, portal login, phone payment, mail, curbside drop boxes, walk-in and Western Union.

Save proof

Keep confirmation number, date/time, amount, payment method, account number and screenshot.

Payment methodOfficial detailBest forDo not miss
Guest Pay / Pay NowE-Bill Express Pay NowQuick one-time payment.Requires 10-digit account number and service ZIP.
My Account portalaccount.abcwua.orgSaved banking, recurring payments, multiple accounts, balance and payment history.Use secure device and correct email/login.
Phone paymentCall 505-842-WATR, Option 2.Payment when you prefer phone route.Option 2 is payment; Option 0 is account help.
Bank draftABCWUA says it can debit your bank account each month to pay the bill in full.Customers who want automatic full payment.Confirm enrollment before relying on it.
MailABCWUA, P.O. Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125.Normal payments with enough time before due date.Not safe near a turn-off deadline.
Curbside drop box1441 Mission Ave NE; 5th & Marquette by City Hall downtown.After-hours physical drop.Use check/money order style proof; do not rely on drop box near shutoff without calling.
Walk-inCustomer Service, 1441 Mission Ave NE; lobby 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday.Account help, payment issue, notice review.Bring bill, ID if needed, notice and payment proof.
Western UnionABCWUA links to Western Union locations and says to call ahead because hours/availability may change.Customers using cash-like offsite payment options.Keep receipt and confirm posting if urgent.
Payment script: “I paid ABCWUA account [10-digit account number] on [date/time] by [method]. Confirmation number is [number]. Can you confirm it posted and whether my account is clear?”

Water Off, Turn-Off Notice or Delinquency Letter

Water already off

  • Do not turn water back on yourself.
  • Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0.
  • Pay full balance or 75% down in guaranteed funds plus Pay Plan.
  • Action must be completed by 2:00 PM MT for same-day restore.

Turn-off notice

  • Call immediately.
  • Ask exact amount needed to keep water on.
  • Ask if Pay Plan is available.
  • Use guaranteed funds if instructed.

Delinquency letter

  • Not immediate shutoff yet.
  • Add extra payment if possible.
  • Do not wait for a turn-off notice.
  • Check eligibility for assistance early.
SituationABCWUA rule / routeBest next action
Water off for non-paymentBalance paid in full OR 75% down in guaranteed funds plus Pay Plan for remaining balance in 30 days.Call Option 0 immediately and confirm exact required amount.
Same-day restoreRequired action must be completed by 2:00 PM MT.Do not assume online payment alone schedules reconnection.
Guaranteed fundsCash, cashier’s/certified check, money order, debit or credit card.Ask which method ABCWUA accepts for your account today.
Someone turned water back onABCWUA warns a violation and fee can apply if anyone except authorized personnel turns water on.Stop, call Option 0, and follow official restoration process.
Turn-off script: “I received a turn-off notice / my water is off. What exact amount or Pay Plan protects/restores service today, and what must be completed before 2:00 PM MT?”

Water or Sewer Emergency: Dispatch Is 24/7

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Emergency line

505-842-WATR, Option 1

Use for sewer overflows/backups, broken water mains, and emergency water turn-offs.

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What to report

Exact address, nearest cross street, issue type, time started, whether water is entering property, and safety risk.

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After calling

Write down time, call-back number, reference/ticket if given, and whether service may be temporarily shut off during repairs.

EmergencySay this firstDo next
Broken water main“Water is flowing/bubbling at [exact location].”Keep away from flooded roads, erosion, and utility markings.
Sewer backup/overflow“Sewer is backing up/overflowing at [fixture/location].”Stop using water, avoid contact, keep children/pets away.
No water / emergency shut-off“I need emergency water turn-off at [address].”Explain visible leak, property damage risk, and access details.
Contractor damage“A water/sewer facility may have been damaged during work at [location].”Stop work, call emergency dispatch, call 811 if underground facility damage applies.

Bill Images, Paperless Billing and Common Account Issues

View bill image

Use Guest Pay with account number and ZIP or enroll in the WA Portal to view bill images for accounts you set up.

Paperless email

Enroll in the WA Portal and choose “Paperless by Email” under Bill Statement Delivery to stop mailed paper bills.

Requests & feedback

Use the Customer Request & Feedback form for account questions, comments or non-emergency concerns. Emergencies must be called in.

ProblemAsk thisPrepare
Payment not showing“Has this confirmation posted?”Confirmation, date/time, amount, method, account number.
Bill image needed“Can I view my bill image through Guest Pay or portal?”10-digit account number and ZIP.
Paper bill stopped“Is my Bill Statement Delivery set to Paperless by Email?”Portal login and email address.
Trash charge question“Is this trash charge from City or County solid waste?”City Solid Waste: 505-761-8100; Bernalillo County Solid Waste: 505-224-1639.
Title company payoff“Where do I request accurate payoff balance for closing?”Property address, closing date, title company info.

New Service, Moving, Selling or Buying

Tenant / owner service

  • Confirm ABCWUA is the provider for the address.
  • Have 10-digit account number if already assigned.
  • Use official new service/moving page.
  • Call Option 0 for customer account setup questions.

Selling / title company

  • Request accurate payoff for closing.
  • Email bill/financial history requests to webcustomerservice@abcwua.org.
  • Use the title company payoff route.
  • Keep final payment proof.

Builders / new construction

  • Call 505-842-WATR Option 3.
  • Work-order fees must be paid before work order is issued.
  • Connection permit fees must be paid before release.
  • Maps & Records: 505-289-3242 or 505-289-3248.
Construction / permit itemOfficial fee detailRoute
Engineering review feesBased on 3.25% of infrastructure cost that becomes a Water Authority asset.New Construction / Option 3.
Small water servicesTwo-inch or smaller: $50 per service.Connection permit payment before release.
Sanitary sewer services$50 per service.Connection permit payment before release.
Public hydrant, public manhole, fire lines, AirVac pit, large water/meter vaultsThree-inch or larger items: $150 per item.Connection permit payment before release.
Maps & Records505-289-3242 or 505-289-3248.Use for utility maps/records inquiries.

Low-Income Credit, Water Assistance Fund and Agencies

Low Income Credit

For homeowners only. ABCWUA says LIC provides a monthly utility credit up to $33.05 for water, wastewater and solid waste.

Participation must be renewed annually.

Water Assistance Fund

For low-income homeowners or tenants who pay Water Authority water/sewer bills and have a Water Authority turn-off notice.

Approved applications may receive up to $200 toward the bill.

Administering agencies

The Storehouse: 505-842-6491

Rio Grande Food Project: 505-967-8983

Assistance script: “I have an ABCWUA bill and [delinquency letter / turn-off notice]. I need to know whether I qualify for LIC, WAF, or agency help. My account number is [number], amount due is [amount], and deadline is [date].”

Conservation, Rebates, Water Waste and High-Use Clues

Rebates

Use ABCWUA Conservation & Rebates or 505Outside for xeriscape, outdoor, indoor, tree and equipment-related rebate routes.

Water waste hotline

Call 505-842-WATR, Option 5, or use official water waste forms.

Conservation surcharge

From May through November, the Rate Ordinance applies surcharge logic when usage exceeds 200%, 300% and/or 400% of conservation average.

IssueOfficial detailWhat to do
Sprinkler/A-C leak/equipment malfunctionMust be repaired or flow turned off within 48 hours of notification.Fix or shut off immediately; request inspector/video info if needed.
Water waste violationMalfunctions may be documented on video.Use water waste form or call Option 5.
Overspray/time-of-day issueCan be reported online or by phone.Record address, day/time and visible water waste.
High summer billMay be usage, leaks, irrigation, conservation surcharge, or watering schedule.Check HomeConnect, meter/bill images, leak signs and watering rules.
Dry Rio Grande / summer savingABCWUA news points users to 505Outside for water-saving tips and lawn-to-xeriscape rebates.Use 505Outside before changing landscaping or irrigation.

Water Quality, Source Planning and Sewer System

2024 Water Quality Report

ABCWUA posted the 2024 Water Quality Report notice on its official site. Use the current report for official drinking-water test results.

Water 2120 planning

Water 2120 is the Water Authority’s long-range water supply plan for a safe, sustainable and resilient supply for the next 100 years.

Sewer collection

The sewer collection section operates about 2,400 miles of pipes plus pump/vacuum and odor-control facilities.

ConcernWhere to checkWhat to ask
Water quality reportABCWUA news / drinking water pages.“Where is the current Consumer Confidence / Water Quality Report for my service area?”
Taste, odor, colorCall customer service or emergency if sudden/severe.Tap affected, hot/cold, time started, neighbors affected, recent work nearby.
Sewer odorCustomer Requests & Feedback / sewer odor route.Exact location, indoor/outdoor odor, time pattern, sewer backup signs.
Sewer backupEmergency Option 1.Stop using water and report immediately.
Long-term water supplyWater 2120 / conservation pages.Check conservation guidance before high summer irrigation.

Before Digging, Landscaping, Fencing or Utility Work

1. Call 811

Use New Mexico 811 before digging.

2. Mark area

Clearly mark the excavation area before locate request.

3. Wait for marks

Respect paint/flags and utility response requirements.

4. Call damage in

If ABCWUA water/sewer infrastructure is damaged, emergency response starts with Dispatch at 842-9287.

Contractor note: construction notes warn that if an underground facility is damaged, stop construction, call 911 if appropriate, notify the underground facility operator, and call 811 to report the damage.

Google Map: ABCWUA Customer Service Center

Use this map for the Customer Service Center at 1441 Mission Ave. NE. Executive/Administrative offices are at One Civic Plaza NW, Room 5027.

LocationAddressUse for
Customer Service Center1441 Mission Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107Walk-in customer service, bill/account help, drop box location.
Downtown drop box5th & Marquette, by City Hall downtownCurbside drop-box payment location.
Mailing addressP.O. Box 568, Albuquerque, NM 87103-0568General Water Authority mail/contact address.
Payment mail addressABCWUA, P.O. Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125Mail bill payments with enough processing time.
Executive/Admin OfficesOne Civic Plaza NW, Room 5027, Albuquerque, NM 87102Administrative reference; billing customers should use Customer Service.
Plaza Del Sol development contact600 2nd Street NW, Suite 201, Albuquerque, NM 87102Development, forms, requests for availability, connection permit-related contacts.

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority FAQ

What is the ABCWUA phone number?

Call 505-842-WATR or 505-842-9287. Use Option 0 for billing/general issues, Option 1 for 24-hour water/sewer emergencies, Option 2 for phone payment, Option 4 for conservation/rebates, and Option 5 for water waste.

Where is the ABCWUA customer service center?

The Customer Service Center is at 1441 Mission Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Walk-in lobby hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

Where do I pay my Water Authority bill online?

Use the official E-Bill Express ABCWUA Pay Now page for one-time payment or account.abcwua.org for My Account login and recurring/payment-history features.

What do I need for guest payment?

The Pay Now page asks for your 10-digit ABCWUA account number and 5-digit service ZIP code.

How do I pay by phone?

Call 505-842-WATR and select Option 2 to make a payment over the phone.

Where do I mail a payment?

ABCWUA lists bill-payment mail to ABCWUA, P.O. Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125.

What is the emergency number for broken water main or sewer backup?

Call 505-842-WATR, Option 1. The Dispatch Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for water and sewer emergencies.

What if my water is off for non-payment?

Do not attempt to turn water back on yourself. Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0. ABCWUA says water-off accounts require balance paid in full or 75% down in guaranteed funds plus a Pay Plan for the remaining balance.

Can I get same-day water restoration?

ABCWUA says one of the required actions for water-off accounts must be completed by 2:00 PM MT to restore water service the same day.

Does ABCWUA have low-income bill help?

Yes. The Low Income Credit program provides a monthly utility credit up to $33.05 for eligible low-income homeowners. The Water Assistance Fund can provide emergency help up to $200 for eligible homeowners or tenants with a Water Authority turn-off notice.

Who administers the Low Income Credit and Water Assistance Fund?

ABCWUA lists The Storehouse at 505-842-6491 and Rio Grande Food Project at 505-967-8983.

How do I report water waste?

Call 505-842-WATR, Option 5, or use the official water waste forms. ABCWUA says equipment malfunctions must be repaired or flow turned off within 48 hours after notification.

Why is my summer bill high?

Possible causes include irrigation, leaks, conservation surcharge, water waste, seasonal use, or billing/account issues. Review usage through HomeConnect/My Account and call customer service if usage looks wrong.

What is the conservation surcharge?

The Water and Sewer Rate Ordinance says from May through November a conservation surcharge is billed when customers exceed determined percentages of their conservation average.

Who handles trash bill questions?

ABCWUA says City trash bill questions should go to City Solid Waste at 505-761-8100, and Bernalillo County Solid Waste questions to 505-224-1639.

Is this the official ABCWUA website?

No. This is an independent utility guide. Confirm live balance, shutoff status, deadlines, payment posting, assistance eligibility, rates, notices, and emergencies with official ABCWUA sources.

30-Second ABCWUA Checklist

Paying: E-Bill Express Pay Now → 10-digit account number + 5-digit ZIP → save confirmation.

Logging in: account.abcwua.org → view balance, history, recurring payments, multiple accounts.

Emergency: 505-842-WATR Option 1 → sewer backup, broken main, emergency turn-off.

Water off: do not turn on yourself → Option 0 → full balance or 75% down + Pay Plan → 2:00 PM MT matters.

Assistance: LIC up to $33.05/month for eligible homeowners; WAF up to $200 emergency help with turn-off notice.

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