Atlanta Water Bill Help 2026–27: Care and Conserve, PromisePay Plans, and Free Plumbing Repairs
Atlanta water and sewer bills can climb fast, especially when a hidden leak runs up the meter. If you're behind, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has three programs that can help:
Care and Conserve Bill Payment Assistance for low- to moderate-income households with a past-due balance
PromisePay, DWM's new interest-free payment plans, launched in July 2026
The Care and Conserve Plumbing Repair Program, which offers free plumbing repairs for eligible low-income homeowners to stop leaks behind high bills
This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications denied.
Last checked October 2026. Program details come from Atlanta DWM's official pages.
Option 1: Care and Conserve Bill Payment Assistance
DWM says Care and Conserve provides water bill payment assistance, plumbing repair assistance, and water conservation counseling to about 185 low-income households a year. It's funded by voluntary customer contributions, corporate donations, grants, and money set aside by the City.
Both renters and homeowners can apply for bill payment assistance.
Who Qualifies
DWM lists these requirements:
You get a water bill directly from the City of Atlanta. Exceptions apply for a power of attorney or wards of people with an active account.
You currently live at the property.
Water service is legally on and the account is active.
The residence meets structural, meter size, and residential requirements.
Everyone living there meets the income requirements.
Renters must give the landlord's mailing and contact information.
The account has gone through six billing cycles and has a past-due balance of $300 or more when you apply.
Who Isn't Eligible
Landlords whose properties have the water bill in their name
Duplexes and triplexes on a single meter
Payment History Matters
DWM warns that:
An inconsistent payment history may lead to denial.
A broken payment arrangement may lead to denial.
You may need an established payment pattern or payment arrangement on part of your past-due balance to receive help.
Tip: Even small, regular payments while you apply can help your case.
How to Apply
DWM offers three ways:
Apply online through the Care and Conserve page. DWM recommends watching its application video first.
Download and print the application and return it to the Care and Conserve office.
Call (404) 546-3620 to request an application by mail.
Don't send documents right away. DWM says not to submit supporting documents until a Care and Conserve representative contacts you to confirm eligibility. DWM has a video explaining which documents are needed.
Don't apply twice. Duplicate applications can delay processing.
Option 2: PromisePay Interest-Free Payment Plans
In July 2026, DWM launched PromisePay, a partnership with an online payment platform that offers flexible payment plans for past-due water bills.
Key features:
Interest-free. DWM says it doesn't charge late fees on PromisePay installments.
Plans range from two to twelve months
Choose payment amounts and dates that fit your budget
Pay by ACH, debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
Request a payment date change or short-term extension, or re-enroll if needed
Manage everything online
Who can use it: All residential and commercial customers not already enrolled in a DWM in-house payment plan. If you're in an existing DWM plan, you stay in it. Once it's completed or canceled, you may become eligible for PromisePay.
How to enroll: Visit atlantawatershed.org/PromisePay or the enrollment portal at atlantawatershed.promise-pay.com.
Got a text? DWM says customers with past-due balances may get an official text from "PromisePay for Atlanta Watershed." If you're unsure a text is real, go to atlantawatershed.org yourself rather than clicking the link.
Option 3: Free Plumbing Repairs (CCPRP)
The Care and Conserve Plumbing Repair Program (CCPRP) is separate from bill payment assistance. DWM gives grant funding to nonprofits, which make plumbing repairs and replace high-flow fixtures for low-income households at no cost. That includes help with leaks that cause high bills.
Income Limits (Annual)
1 person: $60,200
2 people: $68,800
3 people: $77,400
4 people: $86,000
5 people: $92,900
6 people: $99,800
7 people: $106,650
8 people: $113,550
Requirements
The bill is in your name
You're 18 or older and own the home
You live there, have lived there at least 6 months, and water service is legally on
You have a single-family residential account that has completed six billing cycles
The account is not more than 5 months past due, or you've made two recent consecutive monthly payments
You make consistent payments during the application process
Not eligible: Renters, landlords, businesses, apartment complexes, duplexes, triplexes, and homes on master meters.
How to Apply
Contact Nehemiah Project CDC, 51 Senoia Road, Fairburn, GA 30213, phone (770) 742-0706.
Questions for DWM about plumbing repairs: (404) 546-3419.
Is a Leak Behind Your High Bill?
A sudden jump in your bill is often caused by a leak. Some simple checks:
Turn off every faucet and water appliance, then look at your meter. If it's still moving, water is escaping somewhere.
Check your toilets. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
Look for dripping faucets, running outdoor spigots, and damp spots in the yard.
If you find a leak, get it fixed fast, and ask DWM how to raise a high-bill concern. Income-eligible homeowners can apply for free repairs through CCPRP.
Before You Call: A Quick Checklist
Your DWM account number and service address
Your past-due amount and most recent bill
Proof of household income, ready to send once DWM asks for it
If you rent, your landlord's name, mailing address, and phone number
Which Option Fits You?
Behind $300+ and income-eligible: Apply for Care and Conserve and keep making small payments.
Need time to pay, any income: Enroll in PromisePay.
Homeowner with a leak driving up bills: Apply for CCPRP through Nehemiah Project CDC.
More than one of these: Ask DWM how the programs work together.
Other Contacts
ATL 311: 404-546-0311
DWM Administrative Offices: 72 Marietta Street NE, Atlanta
Frequently Asked Questions
Can renters get help with an Atlanta water bill?
Yes, for bill payment assistance, if the bill comes to you directly from the City. Renters aren't eligible for the plumbing repair program.
How far behind do I need to be for Care and Conserve?
At least $300 past due, on an account that has gone through six billing cycles.
Does PromisePay charge interest?
No. DWM says plans are interest-free, with no late fees on installments.
Can I get plumbing repairs if I rent?
No. CCPRP is for homeowners who live in the home.
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