- All City of Houston water meters meet accuracy guidelines of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). If a customer request a retest of a water meter that is within the manufacturer’s warranty period or that has been tested within the previous 12 months, the following charges will apply and be billed to the customer’s account: (a) Field Accuracy Test (less than 3” conducted on site) a fee of $25.00; (b) Meter Bench Test (less than 3” off-site) a fee of $50.00 plus cost of meter and related parts; Large Meter Test (3” and larger) a fee of $170.00 + cost of meter. If the meter is determined to be inaccurate or outside of AWWA guidelines, the customer will not be charged. Click here for more information.
- If water service has been terminated for non-payment and a customer restores water service without the department’s authorization, the customer will be charged for water used, a $55.00 fee, plus an additional penalty for each subsequent occurrence. If there is damage to the meter or the locking device, the customer will be charged for the cost to repair or replace this equipment. Theft of water is a serious offense punishable by law.
- If you request a re-read of your water meter, you may be charged a $10.00 fee. If the re-read shows evidence that the City has made an error or there is a problem with the meter, the customer will not be charged. Click here for more information.
- Senior citizens, veterans with service related disabilities, and disabled person who meet low income guidelines may be exempt from late payment and meter re-read fees. Late payment fees remain at 10% of monthly charges on non-exempt accounts. Click here for more information.
- For customers with more than one account, Utility Customer Service reserves the right to transfer account balances from one account to another to collect past due payments. Customers who do not pay their bills negatively impact all customers through increased rates. If you have a problem paying your bill, call one of our Customer Service Representatives at 713-371-1400 before the past due amount becomes unmanageable. Click here for more information.
- The maximum amount of assistance a customer may receive from the W.A.T.E.R. Fund has increased to $100. You may apply once every 6 months, must meet income guidelines, and submit an application to be eligible. If you qualify and need assistance, call 713-371-1400. Click here for more information.
- Water meters, the transmitter and meter box are the property of the City of Houston. You are legally prohibited from removing, tampering with or damaging the meter or other city equipment. You also have the responsibility for keeping the meter free from obstructions, for restraining dogs, and for removing obstacles that a meter reader might encounter at your residence.
- The fee to restore water service after being turned off for non-payment increases to $30. This fee is also applicable when a new customer at the address fails to make an application for service. Be sure to pay your bill on time. If you need assistance paying your bill, call 713-371-1400 to avoid interruption in your water service. Click here for more information.
- The number of billing adjustments for plumbing leaks that will be processed in a 12 month period has been limited to a maximum of two. Eligible adjustments are for loss of water in your water lines resulting from rupture or other defects and exclude faucet leaks. To apply for an adjustment, a sworn written application must be filed with Utility Customer Service within six (6) months of the repair of the defect. Remember to keep your plumbing, inside and out, in good repair. Click here for Application Form and here for more information on Leak Adjustments.
- If you are a single family residential customer, and have an unusually high bill, you must contact us within 6 months of the high bill to see if you are entitled to an adjustment. The consumption must be in excess of twice your average usage to be eligible for an adjustment. Only one such adjustment will be processed in a 12 month period. If the applicant has not been a customer for a sufficient length of time to determine average usage, the adjustment will be delayed until the department can calculate the average usage. To qualify for an adjustment, a sworn written application must be filed with Utility Customer Service within six (6) months of receipt of the water bill.
Remember, you can now pay your water bill online at www.houstonwaterbills.org
