City of Houston -- Department of Public Works and Engineering

Property owners are responsible for maintaining water and sewer systems that are located on private property.

I was told the City has an easement in my yard. How did it get there?

An easement gives the City of Houston the right to construct and maintain pubic utilities in the area. Developers grant most easements in the City when the land is plotted for development. The property owner must allow the City access to water and sanitary sewer lines for maintenance. The property owner has the responsibility for maintaining the land in the easement. However, the easement must be kept free of obstructions and encroachments.

I have water leaking in my yard, driveway, parking lot, etc. Where is the water coming from? Can you come out to investigate?

Check to see if the source of the water leak is being caused by a sprinkler system or leak on private property then call 311. An investigator will be dispatched to inspect the source of the leak and will issue a work order if a repair is needed. If the leak is private the owner must repair the leak.

The fire hydrant on my street is leaking. Will Utility Maintenance stop the leak?

Utility Maintenance maintains all fire hydrants within the city of Houston. Please contact 311 with your concern.

My toilet, drain, etc. is backing up, whom do I call to verity that it is my plumbing or the City’s?

Call 311. Utility Maintenance personnel will be dispatched to the location. If the problem is found in the City’s sewer, it will be corrected and you will be notified. You will also be notified if the City sewer does not have a problem

Why does the City want us to conserve water, but they don’t quickly fix leaks?

During certain times of the year (July-October), leaks occur at a faster rate than we can repair them. During these times, additional private contractors will be hired to work with City crews to reduce the repair time.

I have been told that we can get water from a fire hydrant. How can we do this?

Citizens are not permitted to get water from a fire hydrant. Only employees of the City of Houston or contractors with a meter are allowed to use fire hydrants.

My water meter has sunk down into the ground and it is dangerous to people who walk there. There is standing water on top of my water meter.

Call 311 for all concerns related to meter and valve boxes near your home or business.

Can you relocate my manhole, water meter or fire hydrant?

No. The location is based on engineered locations to facilitate the distribution of water and the collection of wastewater for our citizens and the conveyance to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Manhole, water meter and fire hydrant locations are installed at a strategic location to aid in maintenance of our water and wastewater systems.

How can I locate the utility easement on my property? Can I build or plant over the utility easement?

The utility easement c an be located by reviewing the deed to your property. The easement is to be kept free of obstructions or encroachments for access to water and sewer lines.

Will the City of Houston restore my property to its original condition after a repair has been made?

City and contractor crews are required to restore the property to its original condition after a repair has been made. Photographs are taken before , during, and after the work has been performed to document the condition of the property before the work begins and after it has been completed. If an owner has a complaint about the quality of the work, they should contact 311.

If I observe prohibited discharges into the sanitary sewer, illegal hook-up to fire hydrants, or tampering with water meter equipment, who should I call?

Please call 311. Cash rewards are paid to citizens who provide information that leads to the successful conclusion of a case.

What can I do to recover the cost for damage to my property after a repair has been made?

Property owners who believe that their property was damaged by city personnel can notify 311. The property will be inspected and a determination will be made whether the damage pre-existed or was caused by the repair work. For damage caused by city personnel, a claim must be filed with the City of Houston

In order for the City of Houston to be liable for damages, the claimant must give the Mayor and City Council (in care of the City Secretary, P.O. Box 1562, Houston, TX 77251) notice by notarized statement within 90 days after the damage occurred. State when, how, extent of damage, settlement amount requested, address where the damage occurred, address of the claimant at the date the claim is presented and the address of the claimant at the date the claim is presented and the address for 6 months preceding the occurrence. Names and addresses of witnesses should be included. Failure to notify the City as described will exonerate the City from any liability.

Submit Info to:
Claims/Subrogation Division
Legal Department
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, 4th floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone No. 713/247-2139
Fax No. 713/247-1017

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