Manage Your Albuquerque Water Bill, Online Account and Utility Services
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA), commonly called the Water Authority, provides drinking water and wastewater services in Albuquerque and parts of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Customers can pay online, view monthly statements, arrange automatic payments, monitor water usage and report water or sewer emergencies. The utility also collects certain trash charges on behalf of local government agencies.
Customer service: 505-842-9287 (842-WATR)
24-hour water/sewer emergency: 505-842-9287, Option 1
Phone bill payment: 505-842-9287, Option 2
Billing assistance: 505-842-9287, Option 0
Customer service office: 1441 Mission Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Lobby hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Use the official Water Authority website at abcwua.org for payments and account changes. WaterUtilities.org is an independent informational website.
How to Pay Your Albuquerque Bernalillo Water Bill Online
The Water Authority provides two online options: a one-time Guest Pay service and a registered Water Authority account portal for ongoing account management.
Make a One-Time Payment Without Registering
- Open the official payment page. Visit Water Authority Ways to Pay.
- Choose Guest Pay. Select the one-time payment option provided by the utility.
- Enter your account details. Have the account number and billing ZIP code from your latest water statement ready.
- Check your bill. Confirm the amount due and identify the correct service address before proceeding.
- Enter payment information. Follow the authorized payment system’s instructions for the available payment methods.
- Review the final transaction. Check the total and any fee displayed before authorizing payment.
- Save your confirmation. Keep the receipt until the payment appears in your billing history.
The Water Authority links its one-time payment service through Paymentus. Accessing it from the official ABCWUA website helps avoid confusion with other Albuquerque-area utilities.
Water Authority Login and New Account Registration
ABCWUA’s online customer service system is called the WA Portal. It provides account access, bill images, recurring payments and options for paperless statements.
Sign In to Your Existing Water Account
- Visit account.abcwua.org.
- Enter your registered account credentials.
- Complete any additional verification requested by the portal.
- Open the relevant water account.
- Choose the billing, payment or account-management feature you need.
Register for the First Time
- Open the official Water Authority Account Portal.
- Select the option to create a profile.
- Enter the personal and contact information requested.
- Prepare the Water Authority account number printed on your monthly statement.
- Follow the instructions to link your water account to the new profile.
- Complete verification and sign in.
If you cannot find the account number, review your latest bill or contact ABCWUA customer service. Do not create multiple profiles if the portal cannot link an existing account.
What Can You Do After Logging In?
- View current and previous water bills.
- Make payments and manage recurring payments.
- Access multiple utility accounts linked to your profile.
- Enroll in paperless billing.
- Review water usage information.
- Access HomeConnect usage monitoring when supported by your water meter.
Switch to Paperless Billing
- Sign in to the WA Portal.
- Open your water account.
- Find Bill Statement Delivery.
- Select Paperless by Email.
- Confirm the email address where bills should be delivered.
Once paperless billing is activated, mailed paper statements stop. The utility allows customers to change their preference back to paper delivery.
Other Ways to Pay Your ABCWUA Bill
Customers who do not want to use online bill payment can pay by telephone, bank draft, mail, at the customer service office or through authorized payment partners.
| Payment Method | Where or How | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Pay | Official one-time payment | No online account registration required. |
| WA Portal | Sign in or create profile | Account management and recurring payment options. |
| Phone | 505-842-9287, Option 2 | Use the automated phone payment service. |
| Bank draft | Enroll through the Water Authority’s authorization process. | Full monthly bill is withdrawn from your bank account. |
| Walk-in | 1441 Mission Avenue NE, Albuquerque | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. |
| ABCWUA, PO Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125 | Include account details and allow delivery time. | |
| Curbside drop box | Mission Avenue office or 5th & Marquette | Useful for payments that do not require immediate confirmation. |
| Western Union | Participating authorized locations | Confirm local payment availability before visiting. |
Pay by Phone
Call 505-842-9287 and select Option 2.
Keep your water account number and payment information nearby. Follow the automated instructions and save the confirmation number.
Mail Your Water Payment
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
PO Box 27226
Albuquerque, NM 87125
Use this address for bill payments. The utility has a different mailing address for general correspondence.
When mailing a check or money order, include the payment stub and your account number. Do not rely on mail when the account is already scheduled for disconnection.
Pay in Person
Water Authority Customer Service Center
1441 Mission Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Lobby hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Bring your current water statement or account number. If you need to resolve a disconnection notice, confirm the full required amount before making payment.
Curbside Drop Boxes
The Water Authority lists two curbside payment drop boxes:
- 1441 Mission Avenue NE, Albuquerque.
- 5th Street and Marquette Avenue, near downtown City Hall.
For an urgent overdue bill, contact customer service instead of assuming a drop-box deposit will immediately update your account.
Set Up Automatic Bank Draft Payments
The Water Authority offers bank draft payments that automatically debit the full amount of the monthly water bill from a checking or savings account.
How to Enroll
- Open the official payment options page.
- Select the Bank Draft option.
- Follow the utility’s authorized electronic application process.
- Provide the requested water account and bank information.
- Submit the authorization.
- Confirm when the bank draft will first become active.
Keep checking your monthly statements until you know the automatic withdrawal is active. If your bill is currently overdue, ask customer service whether another immediate payment is required.
Understanding Water, Sewer and Trash Charges
Your monthly Water Authority statement can contain more than drinking-water charges. ABCWUA also bills wastewater services and, for many customers, curbside refuse collection on behalf of the City of Albuquerque.
| Bill Item | What It Means | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Water service and measured consumption. | ABCWUA, 505-842-9287 |
| Wastewater | Sewer collection and wastewater service charges. | ABCWUA, 505-842-9287 |
| Trash / refuse | Solid-waste collection billed for a local government agency. | City Solid Waste, 505-761-8100 |
| Adjustments | Billing corrections or account-specific credits and charges. | ABCWUA customer service |
| Water waste fees | Charges associated with violations of applicable conservation rules. | ABCWUA, Option 5 |
| Extra carts | Additional refuse collection equipment or service charges. | Responsible solid-waste agency |
For trash-related billing questions, the Water Authority lists:
- City of Albuquerque Solid Waste: 505-761-8100.
- Bernalillo County Solid Waste: 505-224-1639.
If your bill increased, compare the water, wastewater and refuse charges separately before assuming the water rate changed.
Official explanation: Understanding Your Water Authority Bill.
2026 Albuquerque Water and Sewer Rates
The Water Authority sets its water and wastewater charges under adopted rate ordinances. The rate schedule was amended on May 20, 2026, through Ordinance O-26-1.
Rates depend on the account classification, meter size, service charges, usage and other applicable provisions.
How Your Water Consumption Is Measured
Water Authority billing commonly uses units of 100 cubic feet. One billing unit equals approximately 748 gallons.
For example:
- 5 units are approximately 3,740 gallons.
- 10 units are approximately 7,480 gallons.
- 20 units are approximately 14,960 gallons.
These are consumption conversions, not dollar estimates. The amount charged depends on the applicable water-rate schedule.
How to Find Your Applicable Rates
- Open the Water Authority Legislation and Ordinances page.
- Find Section 1 – Water and Sewer Rates.
- Open the amendment identified as O-26-1, dated May 20, 2026.
- Find the applicable residential, commercial or other service classification.
- Check your meter size and the applicable fixed and consumption charges.
- Compare the rate information with the charges printed on your current statement.
For assistance interpreting the rate schedule, call 505-842-9287, Option 0.
Moving to Albuquerque? Water Service Works Differently Here
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is a property-based utility. This means the utility bills the property, rather than opening and closing accounts in the same way many other water companies do.
The Water Authority specifically states that it does not use the standard start, stop or transfer service process found at many other utilities.
If You Are Renting a Home
- Ask the landlord or property manager whether the water bill is included in rent.
- Confirm who will receive the monthly statement and who is responsible for paying it.
- If you need a prorated bill or final balance, contact the property owner or manager.
- Ask the owner to arrange mailing-address changes if necessary.
- If you are responsible for payment, you can arrange a bank draft or pay using the authorized payment options.
The property owner remains responsible for the Water Authority account according to the utility’s published policy.
If You Are Buying a Home
- Confirm the property’s water account details with the seller or title company.
- Request that any outstanding balance is addressed during closing.
- Ask the title company to obtain an accurate water account payoff balance.
- After closing, contact the Water Authority to update the mailing address where appropriate.
- Register for the WA Portal to view the property’s water account and statements.
The Water Authority says a final bill for a sold property should be prorated and paid through the title company or negotiated between the buyer and seller.
If You Are Selling a Home
Notify your title company that the property has a Water Authority account. Ask how the water and wastewater balance will be handled at closing.
Do not assume that canceling a portal profile or automatic bank payment automatically closes a property-based utility account.
Official instructions: New Service for Tenants or Owners.
Water Shut Off? How to Request Same-Day Restoration
If ABCWUA disconnected your water for nonpayment, making the payment is only the first part of the restoration process.
The utility publishes a specific process for requesting service restoration after payment.
Official Reconnection Steps
- Pay the account balance. Open the official one-time payment page.
- Use an accepted debit or credit card. Complete the required payment.
- Save the payment confirmation. Keep the receipt or transaction number.
- Call Customer Service. Dial 505-842-9287 and notify the utility that payment has been completed.
- Complete the restoration request. The utility will ask you to agree to a disclaimer and confirm submission of the turn-on request.
- Check the deadline. Submit the completed request before 2 PM Mountain Time for same-day restoration.
Requests submitted after the 2 PM deadline are scheduled for restoration on the next business day under the utility’s published instructions.
For additional guidance, open ABCWUA Customer Service and locate the water-off or turn-off notice assistance section.
Financial Assistance for Albuquerque Water Bills
The Water Authority provides assistance programs for qualifying customers experiencing financial hardship. Program eligibility depends on the applicant’s circumstances and whether the account meets the published conditions.
Water Assistance Fund: Up to $200
Effective January 1, 2026, the Water Assistance Fund offers one-time emergency assistance to qualifying homeowners and tenants who pay Water Authority water and sewer bills.
Approved applicants may receive up to $200 toward their utility bill.
Important eligibility condition: The applicant must have been issued or mailed a Water Authority turn-off notice warning of an upcoming disconnection because of a past-due balance.
How to Apply for Assistance
- Check whether you have received a qualifying Water Authority turn-off notice.
- Open the official financial assistance page.
- Contact an authorized administering organization.
- Ask about income qualifications and documents required for the application.
- Provide the Water Authority account information, notice and other requested documents.
- Confirm whether assistance has been approved and applied before the disconnection deadline.
Local Assistance Contacts
| Organization | Phone | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Food Project | 505-967-8983 | Water Assistance Fund and eligible low-income programs. |
| The Storehouse | 505-842-6491 | Water Assistance Fund and low-income credit administration. |
Low Income Credit: Up to $33.05 per Month
ABCWUA also operates a Low Income Credit program for qualifying homeowners. The published monthly credit is up to $33.05 toward water, wastewater and solid-waste charges.
The program must be renewed annually. Unlike the emergency Water Assistance Fund, the Low Income Credit is available to qualifying homeowners rather than tenants.
High Water Bill? Use HomeConnect to Check for Leaks
A sudden increase in water consumption can be caused by a leaking toilet, damaged irrigation system, underground water line or another plumbing problem.
The Water Authority offers HomeConnect for customers with compatible Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water meters.
HomeConnect can show water consumption hour by hour, helping customers identify unusual patterns rather than waiting for the next monthly statement.
How to Check Your Water Usage
- Visit the WA Portal.
- Sign in or create your account profile.
- Link your Water Authority account using the account number from your bill.
- Open View Water Usage.
- Review daily and hourly consumption where AMI data is available.
- Look for unexpected usage during times when household water should be off.
For example, steady water flow throughout the night may indicate a running toilet, leaking irrigation valve or other continuous-use problem.
Check for a Leak at Home
- Turn off faucets, washing machines, dishwashers and irrigation systems.
- Make sure toilets are not actively refilling.
- Check whether water use continues on HomeConnect or whether the meter’s leak indicator shows flow.
- Inspect toilets, outdoor faucets and visible plumbing.
- If a leak is suspected, arrange appropriate repairs promptly.
- Keep repair invoices and usage records if you need to discuss a high bill with customer service.
2026 Albuquerque Lawn Watering Restrictions
Albuquerque’s dry climate makes outdoor watering an important part of household water consumption. The Water Authority enforces restrictions intended to reduce water waste.
From April 1 through October 31, spray irrigation is prohibited between 11 AM and 7 PM.
The time restriction does not apply in the same way to all irrigation methods. The Water Authority lists exceptions for drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, hand watering and containerized plants.
Recommended Seasonal Watering Schedule
ABCWUA’s Water by the Numbers program does not require a fixed odd/even address watering schedule. Instead, it recommends the following watering frequency:
| Month | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| March | Once per week |
| April and May | Twice per week |
| June, July and August | Three times per week |
| September and October | Twice per week |
| November | Once per week |
The utility summarizes this schedule as 1-2-3-2-1.
For exceptions related to new landscaping, repairs or special watering requirements, use the official Watering Variances and Exemptions page.
Current guidance: Water by the Numbers.
Save Money With the Albuquerque Xeriscape Rebate
The Water Authority offers rebates for replacing high-water-use turf with qualifying xeriscape landscaping.
The published xeriscape rebate is $3 per square foot for approved conversions.
This can be useful for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County residents who want to reduce summer irrigation use.
How to Apply
- Review the official Xeriscape Rebate requirements.
- Prepare a landscape plan identifying turf to be removed and qualifying replacement plants.
- Submit the online rebate application.
- Call 505-289-3026 to schedule the required initial inspection.
- Wait for approval before removing turf.
- Complete the conversion using qualifying plant materials, mulch and irrigation methods.
- Keep itemized receipts for the completed project.
- Schedule the final inspection.
- After approval, monitor your water account for the rebate credit.
The utility requires pre-approval before the project begins. Approved projects generally have six months to complete the conversion.
Rebate credits are typically applied within one or two billing cycles, or up to 90 days after approval.
Customers must meet the program’s planting, mulch and irrigation requirements. Sewer-only accounts are not eligible for the xeriscape rebate.
Report Water Main Breaks and Sewer Emergencies
The Water Authority operates a dispatch center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for water and sewer emergencies.
Emergency reporting: 505-842-9287, Option 1.
Use this number for problems such as:
- Broken public water mains.
- Sudden water service interruptions.
- Significant water leaks involving public infrastructure.
- Sewer overflows or backups.
- Emergency water turn-off requests.
How to Report a Problem
- Identify the exact address or nearest intersection.
- Determine whether the problem is water leakage, low pressure, no water or sewer overflow.
- Note when the problem started.
- Describe any visible flooding or hazards.
- Call the emergency dispatch number and select Option 1.
- Follow the instructions provided by Water Authority staff.
The Water Authority also introduced emergency reporting through its Ripple website chatbot beginning August 24, 2026. The chatbot is available from the official website, but telephone dispatch remains the direct contact option.
Official information: Water and Sewer Emergency Reporting.
Albuquerque Water Authority Phone Directory
ABCWUA uses a central telephone number with different menu options for specific services.
| Department | Phone / Option |
|---|---|
| Billing, account questions and customer service | 505-842-9287, Option 0 |
| Water and sewer emergencies | 505-842-9287, Option 1 |
| Telephone bill payment | 505-842-9287, Option 2 |
| New construction and development | 505-842-9287, Option 3 |
| Conservation and rebates | 505-842-9287, Option 4 |
| Report water waste | 505-842-9287, Option 5 |
| Cockroach control | 505-842-9287, Option 6 |
| Report Water Authority vehicle concerns | 505-842-9287, Option 7 |
| Fire hydrant meter program | 505-842-9287, Option 8 |
For general correspondence:
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
PO Box 568
Albuquerque, NM 87103-0568
Customer service location:
1441 Mission Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Get directions to the Water Authority customer service center.
For current contact details, see ABCWUA Contact Customer Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Albuquerque Bernalillo water bill payment website?
Use the Water Authority’s official payment page. It provides Guest Pay, online account access, telephone payment and other approved payment options.
What is the Albuquerque Water Authority phone number?
Call 505-842-9287, also known as 842-WATR. Choose Option 0 for customer service or Option 1 for water and sewer emergencies.
Can I pay my ABCWUA bill without creating an account?
Yes. The Water Authority offers Guest Pay for one-time payments. Customers can use their account number and billing ZIP code to find bill information.
Where do I log in to view my water bill?
Use the official WA Portal at account.abcwua.org. Registered customers can view statements, manage billing preferences and access other account services.
Can I set up automatic bank payments?
Yes. The Water Authority offers a bank draft program that automatically pays the full monthly bill from an authorized bank account.
How do I get my water turned back on after paying?
Complete the required payment, then call 505-842-9287 to notify customer service and submit the restoration request. Same-day requests must be completed before 2 PM Mountain Time.
Does ABCWUA bill the person or the property?
ABCWUA is a property-based utility. It bills the property, and the owner of record remains responsible for the water account under its published policy.
Can tenants apply for water-bill assistance?
Qualifying tenants with a Water Authority turn-off notice may apply for the Water Assistance Fund. Approved applicants may receive up to $200, subject to program requirements.
When is outdoor spray irrigation restricted in Albuquerque?
From April 1 through October 31, spray irrigation is prohibited between 11 AM and 7 PM. Certain methods, including drip irrigation and hand watering, have exemptions.
Who should I call about a broken water main or sewer overflow?
Call 505-842-9287 and select Option 1. The Water Authority’s emergency dispatch operates 24 hours a day.
Official Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Resources
- Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Official Website
- Official Water Bill Payment Options
- WA Portal Login and Account Registration
- View Bills and Enroll in Paperless Billing
- Understand Water, Sewer and Trash Charges
- 2026 Water and Sewer Rate Ordinances
- Moving, Renting, Buying or Selling Property
- Low-Income Credit and Water Bill Assistance
- HomeConnect Water Usage Monitoring
- Find and Repair Water Leaks
- Seasonal Watering Guidance
- Xeriscape Rebate Program
- 24-Hour Water and Sewer Emergency Reporting
- Official Customer Service and Phone Directory
Information reviewed: October 24, 2026. The guide reflects the Water Authority’s published payment instructions, 2026 assistance programs, property-based billing rules, conservation requirements and contact information. Confirm account-specific charges and payment deadlines with ABCWUA.
Independent publication notice: WaterUtilities.org is not operated by or affiliated with Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. This article provides independent information and official links. Payments, account changes and emergency requests must be completed through the Water Authority.