Municipal water departments are public agencies responsible for the treatment, distribution, and quality oversight of drinking water delivered to homes and businesses in a community. These departments also manage wastewater collection, treatment, and in many cases stormwater systems that protect local waterways and public health.

There are 52 states with Water Departments locations across the United States. More than 148,000 public water systems operate in the U.S., providing drinking water that must meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards enforced by the EPA and implemented through state primacy agencies.

Water Departments in the United States

Browsing by state gives you access to local water department contact information, service area maps, online account portals, and water quality report archives so you can learn about the specific system serving your home or business.

Common Services

  • Water service account setup, billing, payment processing, and move-in/move-out service requests
  • Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) detailing water source and quality testing results
  • Water main break and leak reporting, meter reading requests, and service line inspections
  • New service connection applications, backflow prevention device requirements, and permit assistance

Visitor tip: To start water service at a new address, bring a government-issued photo ID, your move-in date, and the property address to the water department's customer service office. Many departments also allow online or phone service requests. If you notice discolored or foul-smelling water at your tap, call the department's service line right away — do not wait for your next billing cycle.

For official information, visit EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Program.

Water Departments by State
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About Water Departments

Municipal water departments are operated by city or county governments and governed by locally appointed utility boards or city councils. They must comply with federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) standards, including regular testing for dozens of regulated contaminants. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports — mailed to customers or published online — disclose the source water, detected contaminant levels, and treatment methods used by each water system. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) maintains a national database of public water system compliance records.

Common Services

  • Water conservation programs, rebates for efficient fixtures, and drought-stage restrictions
  • Lead service line replacement programs and in-home water quality testing coordination
  • Sewer lateral inspections, grease trap permitting, and industrial pretreatment requirements
  • Source water protection planning and watershed stewardship programs

If you suspect a lead pipe may be serving your home, contact your water department to request a free lead test kit or ask about the Lead and Copper Rule compliance program. Many departments offer free or low-cost testing and can advise on steps to reduce exposure while service line replacement is arranged.

For official information, visit EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Program.