The following comes from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

From NYC DEP:

Water Meter FAQs - DEP

If you are buying property in New York City, it is important to request a Property Transfer Meter Reading (or title reading) prior to the closing. To protect yourself from charges incurred by the seller you must obtain the reading thirty (30) days prior to the closing. Buyers should have their legal representative request that the seller obtain this title reading thirty days prior to the closing.

Important steps to keep in mind:

1.    Buyers should request a title meter reading from DEP at least a month in advance of the closing. Contact Customer Service to schedule a title reading.

2.    Sellers need to stop automated bill payments before the sale is final. Contact Customer Service for more information.

3.    Sellers who have opted to participate in the Service Line Protection Program should call (888) 300-3570 to cancel their service line protection coverage.

4.    Sellers must unenroll from their My DEP Account before the sale is final to stop receiving leak notifications and paperless bills. Contact Customer Service for more information.

5.    Buyers should file a Customer Registration Form. This form provides DEP with the appropriate information for water and sewer bills. Once you are registered, take advantage of online bill payments and sign up for a My DEP Account. A My DEP Account allows you to view your water consumption, detect costly leaks and pay your bills online.

To print out this information, download the Buying or Selling Property Guide.

Please note that title readings cannot be issued for accounts with issues related to the denial of access process, theft of services violations, or any other DEP related violations.