City of Houston -- Public Works and Engineering -- Resource Management Division -- Utility Customer Service -- FAQ's -- Page 9

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4200 Leeland / Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 713.371.1400

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Frequently Asked Questions

9. Water is Free! Why do you charge so much for it?

Water rates must cover the cost of acquisition, treatment and delivery of water to your tap. Total production of water averages 392 millions gallons per day. About 75% of treated drinking water comes from the San Jacinto River through Lake Conroe and Lake Houston and the Trinity River through Lake Livingston to our major surface water treatment plants before reaching your home and others in our 600 square mile service area. The remaining 25% comes from groundwater wells. Houston has gradually reduced the percent of water extracted from beneath the ground in order to reduce subsidence in our neighborhoods; however surface water is more expensive to treat and deliver to our customers.

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