Plan ahead to prevent service interruptions and ensure you have running water the moment you step into your new home.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your current and future water providers at least two weeks before your move to schedule service changes.
- Gather essential documents early, as water departments often require proof of ownership, a lease agreement, or a photo ID to open an account.
- Always request a final meter reading at your old address to ensure you aren’t billed for water usage after you leave.
Moving involves a seemingly endless list of tasks, but few are as critical as ensuring your utilities are ready when you arrive. While it is easy to remember to set up the internet, water service is often overlooked until you are standing in your new kitchen with a dry faucet. We know how stressful moving day can be, which is why we have broken this process down into simple steps. By following this guide, you can ensure that a hot shower is waiting for you after a long day of hauling boxes.
When to Contact Your Water Utility
We recommend contacting your water provider at least two weeks before your move-in date. Unlike internet or cable providers that can often flip a switch remotely, water utilities are frequently managed by local municipal governments. These departments may have slower processing times, limited business hours, and specific procedural requirements. If you wait until the last minute to arrange to turn on water service at your new house, you might find yourself stuck without water over a weekend if the office is closed.
This timeline also applies when you need to cancel water service moving out of your old home. Giving the utility company ample notice ensures they can schedule a technician to come out for a final reading on the correct day. Planning ahead helps you avoid paying for water you didn’t use and ensures the transition is seamless for both you and the next resident.
How to Find Your Local Water Provider
One of the most confusing aspects of moving to a new area is figuring out who actually provides the water. Unlike electricity or internet, where you might have several companies to choose from, water service is almost always tied to a specific city or county department. This means you generally don’t get to “shop around” for rates, but you do need to find the correct entity to service your property.
Here are three reliable ways to identify your new water provider:
- Ask the experts: Your real estate agent, landlord, or property manager will know exactly which utility company services the home.
- Check the listing: If you bought the home, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sheet usually lists utility providers under the “Utilities” section.
- Visit the city website: Most municipal websites have a utilities page. You can use the search tool at USA.gov/local-governments to find the official site for your new city or county.
For more general information on how water services work and what to expect, you can visit our water service hub.
Documents You Need to Start Water Service
Water departments are often stricter about documentation than private utility companies. This is because unpaid water bills can sometimes result in a lien against the property itself. To protect themselves, they require specific documents needed for water service to verify your identity and your right to occupy the home. Gathering these beforehand will speed up the application process significantly.
Be prepared to provide the following:
- Government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license or passport is standard.
- Proof of residency: A copy of your signed lease agreement or the closing disclosure/deed if you purchased the home.
- Social Security number: Many utilities require this for a soft credit check or identity verification.
- Payment method: You will likely need a credit card or bank account information to pay a security deposit or setup fee.
Step-by-Step: The Water Transfer Process
Once you have your documents ready and know who to call, the actual process to transfer water service to a new address is straightforward. We have broken it down into three chronological stages to keep you on track.
1. Stop Service at Your Old Address
The first step is to arrange to cancel water service when moving out of your current home. Call your existing provider and specify the date you want the service to end, which is typically the day after you move out. It is crucial to provide them with a forwarding address for your final bill. If you forget this step, the final invoice may get lost in the mail and eventually be sent to collections, which can negatively impact your credit score.
2. Start Service at Your New Address
Next, contact your new provider to set up your account. It is best to schedule the service start date for the day before you move in. This buffer ensures that if there are any issues, you have time to resolve them before you unpack boxes. If there is a few days of overlap between homes, keep both services active until you have fully moved out, so you are not left without water at either property. During this call, ask about the water and sewer service transfer, as these two services are usually bundled together and handled by the same department.
3. Schedule the Final Meter Reading
Do not skip the final meter reading at your old home. This reading marks exactly how much water you used up until the moment you left. Without it, you could potentially be billed for water the new owner or tenant uses during their first week. Requesting a final read provides a clear cutoff point for your billing responsibility.
Water Service for Renters vs. Homeowners
The responsibilities for setting up utilities can vary depending on whether you own the property or are leasing it. Understanding these differences helps you handle water bills correctly when a new tenant or new owner moves in.
- For Renters: In many apartment complexes, water is included in the rent, and you won’t need to set up an individual account. However, if you are moving into a new rental that is a single-family home, the landlord will typically require you to transfer the utilities into your name before handing over the keys.
- For Homeowners: When you buy a home, the title company often handles the financial proration of utility bills at closing. However, this does not automatically set up the account for you. You must still contact the water department to register as the new owner and prevent the service from being shut off.
Fees, Deposits, and Billing Surprises
Budgeting for your move should include potential costs associated with utility transfers. In many areas, standard connection or administrative fees are in the $20 to $50 range. These are one-time administrative costs added to your first bill. Additionally, if you are a new customer or have a limited credit history, you may need to pay an “average water bill deposit.” This deposit can range from $50 to $150, although some utilities may charge more for large homes or high expected usage. It is often refundable after a year of on-time payments.
Another factor to watch for is the sewer charge. Sewer costs are often higher than water usage costs and can be calculated based on your water consumption. Understanding these rates upfront prevents “sticker shock” when your first bill arrives.
Moving In: Your First Day Water Checklist
Once you arrive at your new home, take a moment to inspect the plumbing before you start unpacking. This is the perfect time to spot issues that could cost you money. Check for “phantom leaks” — like toilets that run continuously or faucets that drip. Even a small drip can waste gallons of water per day, driving up your bill unnecessarily.
From an eco-conscious and budget-friendly perspective, moving in is a great time to upgrade your fixtures. Consider installing WaterSense-labeled products to reduce consumption without sacrificing performance. These upgrades don’t just save water — they can also trim your monthly bill, especially if your sewer charges are based on water use. You can find more resources on finding and fixing leaks during EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week events or on their website.
Enjoying a Smooth Transition to Your New Home
Transferring your water service might seem like just another item on your moving checklist, but tackling it early offers peace of mind. Knowing that you have fresh water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing allows you to focus on making your new house feel like a home. Remember to keep your new account number handy for when that first bill arrives, and congratulate yourself on handling one of the most essential parts of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring Water Service
Can I transfer water service online?
How much does it cost to transfer water service?
Do I need to be home when they turn the water on?
What happens if I forget to cancel my old water service?
Does the water company also transfer sewer service?
About the Author
Claudio is a sustainability-focused writer with a background in Anthropology and Psychology from NC State University. He has spent over 15 years working in writing, interpretation, and translation, driven by a deep interest in how human culture shapes the environment. Today, he shares his curiosity with readers by writing about sustainable living solutions and the connection between everyday choices and environmental impact.