Where to pay your Houston water bill
The City of Houston's water utility, Houston Water, accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at houstontx.gov/water, by phone at 713-207-2700, by mail, or in person at Houston Water payment centers. Online payment is the fastest route — your payment posts within one business day when you pay before 5 p.m. central time on a business day.
If you pay by phone, have your account number ready. The automated system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. In-person payment centers are located throughout Houston, and you can find the nearest one on the Houston Water website by entering your zip code.
Setting up automatic payments through your bank account is an option that prevents missed due dates. You can arrange this through the Houston Water website or by calling customer service. Automatic payments typically withdraw funds 2 to 3 business days after your bill date.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at houstontx.gov/water is the fastest method and posts within one business day if you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- Your bill is due 20 days from the bill date, and late fees apply if payment arrives after that date.
- The water bill includes charges for water consumption, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management, each calculated separately on your statement.
- You can request a payment arrangement if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date by calling 713-207-2700.
- Automatic bank account payments prevent missed due dates and are set up through the Houston Water website.
Understanding the charges on your Houston Water bill
Your Houston Water bill contains three main charges: water service, wastewater service, and stormwater service. The water charge covers the cost of treating and delivering drinking water to your home. The wastewater charge covers the cost of collecting and treating the water that leaves your home through drains and toilets. The stormwater charge covers the cost of managing rainwater runoff in your neighborhood.
Water and wastewater charges are based on your consumption, measured in hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). One HCF equals 748 gallons. The more water you use, the higher these charges. Stormwater charges are typically a flat fee based on the size of your property's impervious surface — the area that does not absorb water, such as your roof and driveway.
Your bill also shows your meter reading for the current billing period and the previous period, so you can see exactly how much water was consumed. If the reading seems unusually high, check for leaks inside your home, such as a running toilet or dripping faucet, which can add hundreds of gallons to your monthly use.
Reading your meter and checking for leaks
Your water meter is usually located near the street in a small box or pit, or sometimes on the side of your house. The meter displays a number that represents the total gallons of water that have passed through it. Houston Water reads your meter once a month to calculate your bill. You can read your own meter to verify the reading on your bill or to check whether water is flowing when all fixtures in your home are turned off.
If your meter is moving when no water is running, you likely have a leak. A slow leak can waste thousands of gallons per month and significantly raise your bill. Common sources are a leaking toilet flapper, a dripping outdoor faucet, or a crack in an underground pipe. You can test your toilet by adding food coloring to the tank — if the color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
For leaks you cannot locate or fix yourself, contact a licensed plumber. If you believe the leak is on Houston Water's side of the meter (the main line from the street), call 713-207-2700 to report it. The utility may investigate at no cost to you.
What to do if your bill is higher than expected
A sudden spike in your water bill usually points to one of three causes: a leak, a change in your household's water use, or a meter error. Start by checking for leaks as described above. If you find none, think about whether your household used more water than usual — a houseguest, a filled swimming pool, or extra laundry can raise consumption noticeably.
If you believe the meter reading is wrong, you can request a meter test. Call Houston Water at 713-207-2700 and ask for a meter accuracy test. The utility will send a technician to verify the reading. If the meter is found to be inaccurate, Houston Water may adjust your bill. There is typically no charge for this test if the meter is faulty; if it is accurate, you may be charged a small fee.
You can also request a payment arrangement if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date. Houston Water offers arrangements that spread the balance over several months. Call 713-207-2700 to discuss your options with a customer service representative.
Late payments and reconnection after shutoff
Your bill is due 20 days from the bill date shown on your statement. If payment is not received by that date, a late fee is added to your account. Houston Water does not shut off service immediately after a missed payment. However, if your account falls 60 days past due, the utility may issue a shutoff notice. The notice gives you time to pay or arrange a payment plan before service is disconnected.
If your water service is shut off, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. The reconnection fee varies but is typically between $50 and $100. Reconnection usually takes one to two business days after payment is received. If you are unable to pay the full amount, call 713-207-2700 before shutoff occurs to request a payment arrangement.
Some Houston residents may be may be able to access for bill assistance programs through local nonprofits or community action agencies. These programs are separate from Houston Water and are not run by the city. You can search for local assistance programs through 211 Texas, a referral service that lists programs in your area.
Billing disputes and meter reading errors
If you believe your bill contains an error, contact Houston Water within 30 days of receiving the bill. You can call 713-207-2700 or submit a written dispute through the website. Provide your account number, the bill date, and a clear explanation of why you believe the charge is incorrect. Include photos of your meter reading if you have one.
Houston Water will investigate your dispute and respond within 30 days. If an error is found, the utility will issue a credit to your account. If no error is found, the utility will explain the charges in writing. You have the right to request a formal review if you disagree with the outcome.
Meter reading errors do happen, though they are uncommon. Meters can occasionally misread due to age or damage. If you suspect a reading error, requesting a meter test is the most direct way to resolve it. The test is the standard method Houston Water uses to verify accuracy.
Setting up automatic payments and managing your account online
The Houston Water website allows you to view your bill, check your account balance, and set up automatic payments without calling customer service. Log in with your account number and create a password. Once logged in, you can see your current and past bills, your payment history, and your water usage over time.
Automatic payments can be set up to withdraw funds from your bank account on a date you choose. Most customers choose a date shortly after their paycheck arrives. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you prefer not to use the website, you can arrange automatic payments by phone at 713-207-2700.
The online account also shows your water usage broken down by day, which can help you spot unusual spikes. If you notice a sudden jump in usage, you can investigate immediately rather than waiting for your bill to arrive. This early warning system can help you catch leaks before they become expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment arrives after the due date. Your service is not shut off immediately, but if your account reaches 60 days past due, Houston Water will send a shutoff notice. You then have time to pay or arrange a payment plan before disconnection occurs.
Can I dispute a charge on my Houston Water bill?
Yes. Contact Houston Water within 30 days of receiving your bill by calling 713-207-2700 or through the website. Explain the error and provide your account number and bill date. The utility will investigate and respond within 30 days.
How do I know if my meter is broken?
Request a meter accuracy test by calling 713-207-2700. A technician will verify the reading. If the meter is faulty, Houston Water may adjust your bill at no charge. If the meter is accurate, you may be charged a small fee for the test.
What should I do if I find a leak on Houston Water's property?
Call 713-207-2700 to report a leak on the main line between the street and your meter. Houston Water will investigate at no cost. If the leak is on your side of the meter, you are responsible for repair costs.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Yes. Call 713-207-2700 and ask about payment arrangements. Houston Water offers plans that spread your balance over several months. Arrangements must be requested before your account reaches shutoff status.