Service and Information
4200 Leeland / Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 713.371.1400

The Water Aid To Elderly Residents (W.A.T.E.R.) Fund
is a program administered by the City of Houston designed
to provide financial assistance to senior citizens and
others needing  help with paying their water and
wastewater bills. It is funded entirely through voluntary donations
from customers, charities, and businesses and 100% of
the contributions goes toward assisting others. The City of Houston
pays for all administrative costs.

The W.A.T.E.R. Fund is a program administered by the
City of Houston designed to provide financial assistance to
senior citizens and others needing help with paying their
water and wastewater bills. It is funded entirely through
voluntary donations from customers, charities, and businesses.
The program primarily assists the elderly and disabled
with paying their water bills.

The Fund assists low-income senior citizens (60+) who are residential
utility customers of the City of Houston, and live in a single-family dwelling.
Limited assistance is also available to low-income disabled,
or other low- income customers.

Individuals can help with contributions to the W.A.T.E.R Fund
by checking the box on their bill stub and including an extra dollar
with their payment.  You can also donate with a check or money order
by using this form  or you can donate online here 
(online payment account required).

Applicants can receive up to $100 each six months towards their
water bills. If the water bill is less than this amount, qualified seniors
may use any remaining portion in the following months to pay those bills.
This can continue up to $100 or six months from the date of the
application, whichever comes first. At the end of six months,
customers may re-apply for further assistance.

Most of the time it is not necessary to visit our office. Requests for
W.A.T.E.R Fund assistance can be handled by mail or fax. 
Applicants must fill out this application and provide complete
documentation of income, identity, residency, and
disability of all current residents in the household. 
Call (713) 371-1400 for more information.

Applications can be made to the City of Houston for
W.A.T.E.R Fund assistance only.   Other public and private agencies
also assist residences with payment of their utility bills.  
Each agency has its own policies, qualifications, and application procedures.
Contact customer service at 713 371-1400 for a list of agencies.

Late payment fees are 10% of the current bill. Customers with
service-related disabilities, or who are disabled and low-income,
or age 60+ may apply for exemption from fees for late payment.
Complete an application and submit photographic proof of age or
proof of service related disability, use this form. This exemption may also
apply to other fees.  Call (713) 371-1400 for more information.

You can also reduce your charges for service through
good water-use habits.

• Repair all leaks as soon as possible.
• Monitor your toilets. By the time you can hear a leak or
  have to "jiggle" the handle, it may have been leaking for some time.
  Two tablespoons per minute leakage is 342 gallons a month! 
• Stop water wasting habits-don't turn a
  faucet fully on when halfway will do. 
• Partly fill a sink with water to shave or brush your teeth. 
  Running water is unnecessary and wasteful.
• 75% of a household's indoor water usage is in the bathroom! 
  Never use the toilet as a wastebasket.