Utility Customer Service is authorized to charge rates and fees as set by Chapter 47 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.  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.

To cover increase costs, water and sewer rates are adjusted each year in April to reflect the previous year’s percentage change to the Houston-Galveston Area Consumer Price Index (CPI).  In 2009, the rate includes the change in the CPI of 3.3% and an increase of 1.79% for population growth in the region as approved by City Council.   The 2009 rates will be 5.09% higher than 2008. 

Rate increases this decade have been in the amount of:

• 2004 – 9.6% (First increase in 11 years)
• 2005 – 3.5%
• 2006 – 3.6%
• 2007 – 2.8%2008 - 1.8%
• 2009 – 5.09%

Rate increases do not apply to fees or deposits.

In contrast, many other cities in Texas, including those in the Houston area, have increased their rates anywhere up to 25% in a single year recently.

Deposits: 

Deposits are normally required on all accounts prior to beginning service, and are returned once the customer has established a stable credit history. If a customer already has a stable credit history with Utility Customer Service, and provides requested identifying information for the same responsible party, a deposit is not required.

The amount of the deposit and the length of time required to establish a stable credit history varies based on the class of the account and identifying information provided by the customer. Customers without a prior history with UCS may be able to provide other information to obtain a waiver or reduction of the deposit amount.

Residential customers may use this form to contact their prior utility company for a payment reference.
Alternately, customers may use this form to authorize UCS to review their consumer credit history.

Contact UCS by phone at (713) 371-1400 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

1. Rates for 2007
2. Rates for 2008
3. Rates for 2009