Water connection and water charges check, and name change after buying in Vizag (GVMC), Andhra Pradesh
Short answer: before you buy a house or flat in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), ask the seller for the water assessment number and the connection type, check the water charges on GVMC's water charges search, and get any dues cleared before handover. After registration, ask GVMC to move the connection to your name; the exact process and fee are to verify with GVMC. A water bill in the seller's name is not proof that they own the property.
Why a water bill is not proof of ownership
A water connection shows who pays for the water, not who owns the land or flat. The Hyderabad water board, for example, says in its connection guidelines that sanction "shall not confer any right or evidence to the applicant with regard to ownership of the premises". Whether GVMC's rules say the same is to verify; either way, check title through the sale deed, the encumbrance certificate and a lawyer.
Check it yourself, then change the name
| Step | What the official site shows (read 22 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1. Find the connection and its dues | The GVMC water charges search asks for the type of water connection ("Regular Tap", "Semi Bulk" or "Metered Connection"), the location (GVMC, Anakapalle or Bheemili), the assessment number, and a captcha. |
| 2. After registration, move the bill to your name | GVMC lists water services on gvmc.gov.in (for example "Water Residential Registration"), which open a citizen login. How to change the name on an existing tap connection, and the fee, are to verify with the GVMC water supply wing. |
| 3. Keep a record | Save the receipt or acknowledgement number and the first bill in your name with your sale deed copy. |
What to ask the seller for, before you pay the balance
- the water assessment number and the connection type (regular tap, semi bulk or metered).
- The last few water bills and payment receipts, so you can see the bill is in the seller's name and paid up to date.
- For a flat: whether the connection is one bulk connection for the whole building (paid through the association) or a separate one for the flat. Ask the association secretary for a written no-dues note on water and maintenance.
- For a house: whether there is also a sewerage connection, and its bill.
- A line in the agreement of sale that the seller clears all water and sewerage dues up to the date of handover (ask your own lawyer for the wording).
Buying in Vijayawada, Guntur or elsewhere in AP? Water connections are run by the local municipal corporation or municipality. We could not read the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation site on 22 Oct 2026 (it returned an error), so its steps are to verify. Ask the seller for the latest water tax receipt and check it with the corporation's office.
Related guides
- Electricity meter name change after buying
- Property tax name change after buying
- Building permission and occupancy certificate check
- Flat possession handover checklist
- Encumbrance certificate online
Buying in Telangana? See the Telangana guide.
Not legal advice. This page summarises official water-board and corporation pages read on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the water board or corporation and a qualified lawyer before you pay.
A free sample from our Andhra Pradesh property do-it-yourself pack for NRIs: which portal to open, in what order, what to ask for, and what to keep on file.
Get it free (instant download)FAQ
How do I check water charges before buying in Vizag?
Ask the seller for the water assessment number and connection type, then use GVMC's water charges search with the location (GVMC, Anakapalle or Bheemili) and the captcha.
Does a water bill in the seller's name prove ownership?
No. A water connection shows who pays for water, not who owns the property. Check title through the sale deed, EC and a lawyer.
How do I change the water connection name after buying in Vizag?
GVMC water services open a citizen login on gvmc.gov.in. The name-change steps and fee are to verify with the GVMC water supply wing.
What about Vijayawada or other AP towns?
Water connections are run by the local municipal body. The Vijayawada corporation site could not be read on 22 Oct 2026, so its steps are to verify.
Official sources
- GVMC: water charges search
- GVMC: citizen services home
- HMWSSB: guidelines for water connections (ownership line)
Not legal advice. We don't check properties or certify ads. A lawyer must confirm title, and the Authority's own notices override anything on this page.