NYC agency · Water, air & noise
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Water and sewer, backflow prevention, asbestos, boiler emissions, industrial air, and the noise code.
What DEP regulates
DEP manages the city’s water supply and sewers, and enforces environmental rules that touch buildings: backflow prevention devices, asbestos assessments before demolition/renovation (the ACP-5/ACP-7 forms), boiler and industrial air emissions (registrations and Title V permits), and the Noise Code.
What owners deal with
- Water and sewer bills, and liens for unpaid charges.
- Annual backflow device testing and plan approvals.
- Asbestos investigation and abatement filings before many DOB permits.
- Boiler emission registrations; noise-code complaints and violations.
How to look it up
Water/sewer accounts and asbestos filings are handled through DEP’s portals. See our backflow guide.
Local Laws this agency enforces
Reviewed against current NYC agency guidance by the NYC Building Compliance editorial team. Found something out of date? Tell us. Informational only — not legal or engineering advice.
See your building’s open DEP violations right now.
Look up violations →Primary sources
NYC Building Compliance is an independent resource, not the City of New York. Rules and dollar amounts change — always confirm against the official pages above or a licensed professional before acting.