Open a New Water Service Account

UCS can open a new water service account anywhere we have an existing meter on a live tap. For installation of new water service for an existing account, to pay a bill, or to have service disconnected, or if you need general water account information, contact Utility Customer Service at (713) 371-1400. If your service is within Harris County but not supplied by the City of Houston, check Harris County's list of services by subdivision.

For information regarding new water taps and new water meters, to add a 2nd meters, temporary transient meters, sewer tap permits and any other information regarding water meters, contact Taps & Meters Section at (832) 395-4400.

For information regarding Wastewater Capacity Reservation Application, letters of availability, or impact fees, contact Impact Fee Administration personnel at (832) 395-4400.

A $5.00 non-refundable service charge is assessed for opening an account. Information on deposit requirements is found here.

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.

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 employee detects a continuous flow of water, water service will be left off for your protection. You will then have to turn off all valves and call us again.

Please Remember:

• If you use water service without making application, you will be charged for all the water used since the date of the last meter reading for the prior customer and you maybe charged a $30.00 fee.
• If you fail to make application or 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.
  

WHO CAN OPEN AN ACCOUNT

Single-family residence: Either the property owner or a tenant may place service in their own name. Neither may place the account in the other's name. Copies of leases or deeds are normally not required. The City may request such and/or proof of I.D. if there is an outstanding bill for service. A property is a single family residence if less than 25% of the floor space is commercial, and it is constructed for only one family.

Commercial: Either a landlord or a sole tenant may place service in their own name, whether individual, DBA, or corporation. Neither may place the account in the other's name. If there are two or more independent spaces with common water service, the service must be contracted by the property owner or his agent. A copy of the deed or lease will be needed to make contract. Commercial customers have a limited right to withhold privileged lease information. Call for details. A property is commercial if 25% or more of the floor space is dedicated to commercial (including office, retail, or warehouse) use.

Multi-family residence: The owner of the property must place service in their own name, whether individual, DBA, or corporation. If there are two or more residential spaces available for lease/rent and the property is less than 50% commercial space, it is considered multi-family.

Lawn meter: Per the type of property served.

Sewer only accounts: Per the type of property served.

TRANSFERING SERVICE

When moving to a new site that is also served by the City of Houston, a customer may have their deposit and service transferred. The new property will have a new account number, and the deposit may also change. The final bill from the old property will also be transferred to the new account.