Rates and Deposits

Per state law, the City of Houston must charge fairly for water and sewer services. This means that your water and sewer billing must cover the costs of:

• Acquisition, treatment, and delivery of water to your tap
• Removal and treatment of sewage
• Maintenance and improvements to the water and sewer systems.

A yearly review ensures that the rates are adequate to pay for all this and maintain a reserve against unexpected expenditures.

Deposits are required for surety where no adequate credit history has been established and no other utility credit reference can be supplied. Residential deposits are refunded or applied to the account balance after 12 consecutive months of on-time pay history, while commercial and multi-family deposits are refunded or credited after 36 such months.