Utility Customer Service (UCS) can open a new water service account anywhere we have an existing water meter on a live tap. 

Please call at least three business days prior to move-in to have service put in your name. Failure to do so automatically authorizes the City to take a reading at some later time and prorate the use to determine billing.  Who may open an account, the information you will need to present, and the amount of the deposit will vary by the class of service requested. 

If you use water service without making application, you may be charged for all water used since the date of the last meter reading for the prior customer, plus additional fees and penalties may apply.  If you fail to make application or fail to provide information requested by the department, your service may be disconnected without notice.  By making application for service, you agree to pay for all water and sewer services in a timely manner.

Please Remember:
When having service turned on or restored, please make sure that all indoor and outdoor faucets (such as sinks, showers, and bathtubs) are turned off.  You may wish to turn off the water at your private shut-off valve, which is usually located outside your home. If our Water Service Inspector detects a continuous flow of water, water service will not be turned on for your protection.   UCS will not return to the location until all valves and faucets have been closed and you contact us for a new day to turn on service.

A $5.00 non-refundable service charge is assessed for opening an account.

Transferring Service:
When moving to a new site that is also served by the City of Houston, the customer’s old account is closed.  Remember, there will always be a charge for service from your last billing date through the day you actually close the account.

If there was a deposit, it will be applied to the balance of your old account.  If a balance remains after the deposit is applied, it will be transferred to your new account, and will appear on your first monthly bill and will.be applied towards the deposit on your new account.

The new property will have a new account number and may require a different deposit amount.