Albuquerque Water Help Desk: Pay, Log In, Call, Report or Fix a Bill
Looking for “ABQ Water Utility” usually means the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, also called ABCWUA or the Water Authority.
Use this page like a quick desk: pay online, log in, call the right menu option, handle a turn-off notice, report a leak or sewer issue, check assistance, and find the Mission Avenue customer service center.
ABQ Water Utility Quick Answer Board
| What you need | Use this official route | Have ready | What matters most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay once without logging in | Guest Pay / Pay Now | 10-digit ABCWUA account number and 5-digit service ZIP code. | Save confirmation before closing the payment page. |
| Log in, enroll, recurring payments | My Account / Create Profile | Account number, email, password, service address, ZIP. | Use this for recurring payments, balance, payment history, and HomeConnect usage. |
| Pay by phone | 505-842-9287, Option 2 | Account number, payment method, amount due. | Near a turn-off deadline, call Option 0 first. |
| Billing, payments, general issues | 505-842-WATR, Option 0 | Account number, service address, notice, payment proof. | Call center handles billing, payments and general account issues. |
| Water/sewer emergency | 505-842-WATR, Option 1 | Exact location, issue type, time started, safety risk. | Dispatch is available 24/7 for water and sewer emergencies. |
| Water waste report | Report online or Option 5 | Address, best day/time to observe, water source if known. | Reports can trigger warning notice or field inspection. |
| Low-income help | LIC / WAF assistance | Turn-off notice if applying for WAF grant, proof documents, account info. | LIC is homeowners only; WAF can help homeowners or tenants with qualifying turn-off notice. |
ABQ-specific rule: ABCWUA says it is a property-based utility. It bills the property, not the person, and does not start, stop, or transfer service like many other water utilities.
Official Phone, Address, Mail and Menu Options
Customer service phone
505-842-9287
Also written as 505-842-WATR.
Customer Service Center
1441 Mission Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Walk-in lobby: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
Mailing addresses
Payment mail:
ABCWUA, PO Box 27226
Albuquerque, NM 87125
General mail:
PO Box 568
Albuquerque, NM 87103-0568
| Menu option | Use for | Before calling |
|---|---|---|
| Option 0 | Billing, payments and general issues. | Account number, service address, notice, receipt, exact question. |
| Option 1 | Water/sewer emergencies 24 hours a day. | Exact address/cross street, issue type, time started, safety risk. |
| Option 2 | Make a payment over the phone. | Account number and payment method. |
| Option 3 | Construction Services. | Project address, permit/work order question, development details. |
| Option 4 | Water Conservation and Rebates. | Leak details, rebate question, irrigation/landscape question. |
| Option 5 | Report water waste. | Address, best observation time, water source if known. |
| Option 6 | Cockroach control request. | Address and nearest sewer/manhole area if known. |
| Option 7 | Report concerns about Water Authority vehicle operation. | Location, date/time, vehicle number if visible. |
Official links:
Pay Bill or Log In: Fastest Path by Situation
Bank draft
ABCWUA says bank draft debits your bank account monthly to pay the bill in full.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest Pay | E-Bill Express Pay Now page for ABCWUA. | Quick one-time payment. | Entering the wrong account number or ZIP. |
| Account login | My Account / Create Profile provides more options including recurring payments. | Repeat users, payment history, HomeConnect usage, recurring payment setup. | Using Guest Pay when you really need profile features. |
| Phone | Call 842-WATR [9287], Option 2. | Users who prefer phone payment. | Paying by phone without confirming shutoff/reconnect rules. |
| ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque NM 87125. | Normal bills with enough mail time. | Mailing payment near a turn-off deadline. | |
| Curbside dropbox | 1441 Mission Ave NE or 5th & Marquette by City Hall downtown. | Check/money-order style drop-off. | Dropping cash or assuming immediate posting. |
| Walk-in | Customer Service, 1441 Mission Ave NE; lobby hours 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. | In-person help, complicated account issues, notices. | Arriving outside lobby hours. |
| Western Union | ABCWUA lists Western Union locations and says to call ahead before visiting. | Customers using third-party cash/payment locations. | Not confirming hours/availability first. |
Water Off, Turn-Off Notice or Delinquency Letter
This is where many users need the fastest answer. Use the notice type below.
Water already off
- Do not turn the water back on yourself.
- Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0.
- Ask for balance-paid-in-full or pay-plan requirements.
- Ask if guaranteed funds are required.
Turn-off notice
- Call Option 0 immediately.
- Ask whether payment in full or Pay Plan is available.
- Ask if you must call back after payment.
- Save staff name, time and confirmation.
Delinquency letter
- Not immediate shutoff danger per ABCWUA wording.
- Try to pay extra toward outstanding balance.
- Call before it becomes a turn-off notice.
- Ask about assistance if needed.
Same-day restoration rule: ABCWUA says payment in full or a Pay Plan action must be completed by 2:00 PM MT to restore water service the same day. If water is already off, the account may require full balance or 75% down in guaranteed funds plus a Pay Plan for the remaining balance in 30 days.
Water or Sewer Emergency: Use Option 1
24/7 dispatch
Call 505-842-WATR, Option 1.
Use for water and sewer emergencies or emergency water turn-offs.
Water emergency
Broken water main, no water, severe leak, unsafe water flow, urgent water turn-off.
Sewer emergency
Sewer overflow, sewer backup, strong neighborhood sewer odor, suspected main-line problem.
| Problem | Say this | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Broken water main | “Water is flowing/bubbling at [location].” | Address/cross street, flow direction, pavement damage, time started. |
| Sewer overflow/back-up | “Wastewater is backing up/overflowing at [location].” | Floor drain/toilet/street/manhole, time started, indoor/outdoor location. |
| Emergency shutoff | “I need emergency water turn-off at [address].” | Leak location, access issue, safety risk, contact phone. |
| Rotten egg odor | “Odor is in [home/neighborhood] at [location].” | Run water through P-traps for 60 seconds first if odor is indoors. |
During emergency repairs: ABCWUA says water service may be temporarily shut off while repairs are made.
Moving, Renting, Buying or Selling: ABQ Rules Are Different
Important: ABCWUA says it is a property-based utility. It does not start, stop, or transfer service. The property owner of record controls and is responsible for the water account.
| Your situation | What ABCWUA says | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant / renter | If you need prorated or final bill information, contact owner, landlord or property manager. | Ask landlord/property manager for mailing setup, prorated amount and lease responsibility. |
| Tenant not receiving bill | ABCWUA says contact owner/landlord/property manager. | Do not assume you can change mailing without owner permission. |
| Property owner | Owner may request mailing-address changes, budget billing, remove online profile account, or place/remove meter. | Call Option 0 with proof/address/account details. |
| Selling property | Final bill for sold property should be prorated and paid through title company or negotiated with buyer. | Coordinate with closing/title company before settlement. |
| Property manager | With owner permission, mailing address changes can be requested by calling Option 0. | Keep written owner permission and account information ready. |
| Title company | Bill and financial history requests go through title company payoff process. | Use the official title company payoff route from ABCWUA. |
Understand the Bill: Water, Sewer, Trash and Extra Charges
Bill includes
ABCWUA says the monthly bill includes water, sewer and, for most customers, curbside refuse collection billed on behalf of the City of Albuquerque.
Extra charges
Adjustments, water waste and extra carts may appear on the bill.
Trash bill questions
City Solid Waste: 505-761-8100
Bernalillo County Solid Waste: 505-224-1639
| Question | Fast answer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Why is sewer based on winter use? | ABCWUA sewer FAQ says sewer charges use Winter Water Average from December through March; 95% of the WWA is multiplied by current water rate. | Review winter bills if sewer charge looks high. |
| Why is trash on water bill? | ABCWUA bills refuse collection on behalf of the City for most customers. | Call Solid Waste for refuse-rate questions. |
| Can a water waste fine appear? | Water waste and extra carts may be included as additional charges. | Review water-waste warning and correction timeline. |
| Where do I ask bill questions? | Customer Service at webcustomerservice@abcwua.org or 505-842-9287 Option 0. | Prepare account number and screenshot/bill copy. |
HomeConnect: Track Water Usage Before the Bill Arrives
Who can use it?
Customers with an AMI meter can log in to see hour-by-hour water usage.
Why it matters
Unusual spikes can point to toilet leaks, irrigation leaks, yard leaks or other plumbing problems.
How to start
Go to My Account, create access, enter your Water Authority account number and open “View Water Usage.”
Create or open account access
Use the official My Account link from ABCWUA. Do not start from ad results.
Enter Water Authority account number
Use the account number shown on your bill or payment profile.
Open “View Water Usage”
Check daily and hourly usage, especially overnight or during irrigation days.
Investigate spikes
Check toilets, irrigation valves, swamp cooler supply, water softener bypass and main line.
Need help? ABCWUA says customers can call 505-842-WATR, Option 0, during business hours for HomeConnect setup help.
High ABQ Water Bill: Leak Checks That Actually Matter
Cost risk
ABCWUA says residential leaks can add several hundred dollars per month.
Water loss
Leaks can waste about 10,000 to 60,000 gallons per month.
Meter location
About 95% of residential meters are near the front sidewalk/property line; some are in alleys.
Leak help
For leaks you cannot find, call 842-WATR, Option 4.
| Check | What to look for | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Meter indicator | Spin/revolve when no water is running. | If moving, shut off main valve if safe and compare meter. |
| Winter usage | ABCWUA says homes often use 2-8 units in Nov-Mar, depending on people in home. | Compare winter baseline before blaming summer rates. |
| Toilets | Bad flapper, fill valve, handle, chain, water above overflow. | Dye test; turn off toilet valves one at a time and recheck meter. |
| Irrigation | Valve box leak, bad backflow valve, broken heads, missing emitters, controller stuck on. | Turn supply line off and see if meter stops. |
| Swamp cooler | Water running off roof or through downspout. | Turning off fan is not enough; turn supply line off and inspect float/line. |
| Main line | Meter still running after main shutoff valve is off. | Possible leak between meter and shutoff; call plumber if valve is hard to turn. |
| Water softener | Valve stays open; running sound in daytime. | Close bypass valve and recheck usage. |
| Appliance hoses/faucets | Washer hoses, faucet stems, incoming water hoses. | Replace washers, valves or hoses. |
Low-Income Credit and Water Assistance Fund
Low Income Credit
For homeowners only. Provides a monthly utility credit up to $33.05 for water, wastewater and solid waste.
Must be renewed annually.
Water Assistance Fund
One-time emergency help for low-income homeowners or tenants who pay Water Authority water and sewer bills.
Approved applications may receive up to $200.
2026 WAF requirement
Effective January 1, 2026, ABCWUA lists a turn-off notice requirement for Water Assistance Fund grant eligibility.
| Program/contact | Phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| The Storehouse | 505-842-6491 | LIC administration and WAF grants. |
| Rio Grande Food Project | 505-967-8983 | LIC administration and WAF grants. |
| Renter assistance page | Official renter assistance list | Agencies that may help with water and wastewater charges. |
Before applying: collect the water account number, service address, turn-off notice if applicable, proof of income, landlord/owner details if renting, and your best callback number.
Report Water Waste, Fix Equipment and Avoid Violations
Report online
Call or email
505-842-WATR, Option 5
waterwaste@abcwua.org
What to include
Address, best day/time to observe, and water source if known.
| Issue | ABQ action | Helpful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Overspray onto street/sidewalk | Report water waste online or Option 5. | Take note of watering days/times. |
| Broken sprinkler / A/C leak / leaking line | Fix or turn off flow within 48 hours after notification. | Water Authority says equipment malfunctions must be corrected or shut off. |
| Water waste warning | Property owner gets a chance to correct before fines are assessed. | Do not ignore door hanger or alert flag. |
| Xeriscape / conservation help | Use 505Outside and ABCWUA rebate pages. | Great fit for Albuquerque desert-water intent. |
Sewer Odor, Cockroaches, Backups and Prevention
Rotten egg odor
Run water through indoor P-traps for 60 seconds first. If not indoor plumbing, call Option 1 or use odor request form.
Cockroach control
Call 842-WATR, Option 6, or submit the cockroach control request form.
Prevent sewer backup
Trash grease/rags, use licensed sewer contractors, keep trees away from sewer lines, know sewer cleanouts.
| Concern | What ABCWUA says | Action |
|---|---|---|
| P-trap odor | Dry P-traps can let odors leak into homes. | Run water through trap for 60 seconds. |
| Wax toilet seal | Can cause indoor odor problems. | Check/repair toilet seal if odor is localized. |
| Neighborhood odor | May indicate changing sewer conditions or collection system problem. | Call 505-842-9287 Option 1. |
| Roaches | Water Authority sprays sewer manholes closest to address, not yards or meter boxes. | Use private exterminator for property treatment. |
| Basement/plumbing below upstream manhole | ABCWUA recommends approved backwater valve protection. | Ask licensed plumber about backwater valve. |
Winter Cold Prep for ABQ Water Customers
Sprinklers
Shut down sprinkler system, turn off automatic timer and bleed water.
Master valve
Find the master shutoff valve and make sure household members know it.
Outdoor hoses
Disconnect and drain hoses to help prevent overnight freeze damage.
Exposed pipes
Insulate pipes/faucets in garages, basements, crawl spaces and mobile-home spaces.
Heat tape note: ABCWUA says heat tape or similar materials may be considered for exposed water pipes; use UL-listed products and follow all instructions carefully.
Water Quality Report and Drinking Water Questions
Latest report
ABCWUA lists the 2025 Water Quality Report in English and Spanish.
Quality statement
ABCWUA says its drinking water meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
Where to ask
For customer questions, use 505-842-WATR or customer service email.
| User concern | Fast route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Need official report | Download Water Quality Report | Choose English or Spanish PDF. |
| Color/taste/odor | Call customer service unless emergency/strong sewer odor. | Tap location, time started, cold/hot water, neighbors affected. |
| Lead-safe information | Use ABCWUA Lead-Safe Community resource. | Address, service-line question, household concerns. |
| Sewer odor | Run P-traps 60 seconds first; if still present, Option 1. | Where odor detected, date/time, callback number. |
Builders, Construction, Maps and Records
Construction Services
505-842-WATR, Option 3.
Official pages list New Construction hours as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Maps & Records
Permit fees shown
Small water services: $50. Sanitary sewer services: $50. Public hydrant/manhole/fire lines/large services: $150 per item.
Work order fees: official pages state that fees must be paid before a Water Authority Work Order is issued, including engineering review fees based on 3.25% of infrastructure cost that becomes a Water Authority asset, plus any pro rata fees owed.
Google Map: ABQ Water Customer Service Center
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Center | 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 | Walk-in customer service, lobby payment, dropbox, billing help. |
| Payment dropbox | 1441 Mission Ave NE | Curbside payment dropbox. |
| Downtown dropbox | 5th & Marquette, by City Hall downtown | Curbside payment dropbox. |
| Executive/Admin Offices | One Civic Plaza NW, Room 5027, Albuquerque, NM 87102 | Administrative office, not the main customer-payment destination. |
| Payment mailing address | ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque NM 87125 | Mail water/sewer/trash bill payments. |
ABQ Water Utility FAQ
What is the ABQ Water Utility official name?
The official utility is the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, often shortened to ABCWUA or the Water Authority.
What is the ABQ Water Utility phone number?
Call 505-842-9287, also written as 505-842-WATR.
Which option do I press for billing?
Press Option 0 for billing, payments and general account issues.
Which option do I press for emergencies?
Press Option 1 for water and sewer emergencies, available 24 hours a day.
How do I pay my ABQ water bill online?
Use the official E-Bill Express Guest Pay page for one-time payments or the ABCWUA account portal to sign in or create a profile.
What do I need for Guest Pay?
The E-Bill Express Pay Now page asks for a 10-digit ABCWUA account number and a 5-digit service ZIP code.
Where do I mail my ABCWUA payment?
Mail bill payments to ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque NM 87125.
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 Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Does ABCWUA start, stop or transfer service?
ABCWUA says it is a property-based utility and does not start, stop, or transfer service. The property owner of record controls and is responsible for the water account.
What should I do if my water is turned off for non-payment?
Do not turn the water back on yourself. Call 505-842-WATR, Option 0. ABCWUA says same-day restoration requires action by 2:00 PM MT.
Can tenants get water bill assistance?
Yes, the Water Assistance Fund can help qualifying homeowners or tenants who pay Water Authority water and sewer bills, but ABCWUA lists a turn-off notice requirement effective January 1, 2026.
What is the Low Income Credit?
The Low Income Credit is for homeowners only and provides a monthly utility credit up to $33.05 for water, wastewater and solid waste. Participation must be renewed annually.
How do I report water waste in Albuquerque?
Use ABCWUA’s water waste reporting form, call 505-842-WATR Option 5, or email waterwaste@abcwua.org.
How do I check a high water bill?
Check meter movement, toilets, irrigation valves, swamp cooler supply, main line, softener bypass and appliance hoses. For leaks you cannot find, call 842-WATR Option 4.
Where can I get the water quality report?
Use ABCWUA’s Water Quality Report download page for the latest English and Spanish report PDFs.
30-Second ABQ Water Checklist
Pay: Guest Pay for one-time payment; account portal for recurring payments and usage tools.
Call: 505-842-WATR. Option 0 billing, Option 1 emergency, Option 2 phone payment, Option 4 conservation/rebates, Option 5 water waste.
Visit: Customer Service Center, 1441 Mission Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
Water off: do not turn it on yourself; call Option 0; same-day restoration action must be completed by 2:00 PM MT.
High bill: check meter, toilets, irrigation, swamp cooler, main line and HomeConnect usage spikes.