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Resource Management Division > Utility Customer Service
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Service and Information
4200 Leeland / Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 713.371.1400
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W.A.T.E.R.
Fund
"Water
Aid to Elderly Residents"
| What
is it? The W.A.T.E.R Fund is a program administered by the City of Houston designed to provide financial assistance to senior citizens with financial needs. It is funded entirely through voluntary donations from customers, charities, and businesses. |
Can
I help others?
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. Larger donations can be made by special arrangement.
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| Who
qualifies? 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 disabled or other low- income customers. |
What
else can I do to reduce my bill? Late payment fees are 10% of the current bill. Single-family residential customers of 60 years of age or older may apply for exemption from fees for late payment. Complete an application and submit photographic proof of age. This exemption may also apply to other fees. Call (713) 371-1400 for more information. |
| How
do I apply? Applicants must fill out an application and provide complete documentation of income, identity, residency, and disability of all current residents in the household. |
Do
I have to come in to apply? 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. Call (713) 371-1400 for more information. |
| What
help can I get? 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.
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| How
can I save water? A
few simple rules to reduce your water and sewer bills:
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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!
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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.
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Assistance
Many
agencies assist residences with payment of their water bills. Each
has its own policies and application procedures. Contact customer
service at 713 371-1400 for a list of agencies. Application can be
made to the City of Houston for W.A.T.E.R Fund assistance only.
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