City of Houston - Houston Public Works

Public Notification of Water Shut Offs

thoang — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:14:31 +0000

Public Notification of Water Shut Offs thoang Fri, 03/29/2024 - 19:14

Public Notification of Water Shut Offs

Houston Water endeavors to provide advance public notice of water shut offs of impacted customers. Houston Water's highest priority is to preserve the integrity of the City's drinking water system.

Public Notification of Water Shut Off for Emergency Operations and Repairs

During emergency operations or repairs, the city will endeavor to notify impacted customers, particularly critical customers, such as medical facilities, education centers, commercial and industrial businesses and other public water systems. The emergency operations or repairs may result in unexpected interruption of water service where no advance notification is provided. The City does have registries of critical users, such as medical facilities, and endeavors to provide notification to those customers. Customers that are experiencing an unexpected water interruption can call 311 to confirm if it’s a scheduled/unscheduled outage and seek further assistance.

Public Notification of Water Shut Off for Capital Projects

The City employs contractors to improve and extend the distribution system as part of the Capital Improvement Project program. The contractor and the City agreements require that contractors provide 24- 48 hours of advanced notice of a water shut off. The notice is intended to protect critical customers against potential water outages to critical customers that the contractor may not be aware of.

Public Notification of Water Shut Off for Scheduled Maintenance and Repairs

The City uses both internal crews and contractors to perform schedule maintenance and repairs. For scheduled maintenance, a brief "test-cut" of water is performed prior to the actual work to confirm all impacted customers. Prior to performing the scheduled work, the same 24-48 hour notification is provided to impacted customers.

Improve Water Bills

lpinon — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:09:41 +0000

Improve Water Bills lpinon Fri, 03/01/2024 - 20:09

HOUSTON WATER BILL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Restoring Public Trust Through Transparency

Plan Overview

The City of Houston is implementing its plan to prevent customers from receiving inaccurate water bills while tackling structural issues aimed at restoring public trust through transparency.

Remote Read Device Replacement

Customers can track their Remote Read Device replacement using the online dashboard.

Set Usage Billing

Starting April 1, 2024, single-family residential customers will be billed based on a set usage, which will be reflected in their May bill.

[email protected]/" class="coh-link card-link coh-ce-cpt_impact_card-63e38b8f" target="_self" aria-label="Schedule now" > Customer Service Enhancements

As part of the improvements, customers can now schedule in-person or virtual appointments.

Learn more about the upcoming changes by viewing our Customer Experience Roadmap.

Improvement Plan Dashboard

The City of Houston is identifying and replacing approximately 125,000 nonfunctioning remote reading devices (RRDs) across the city. A remote reading device is an electronic transmitting device attached to a water meter register that sends a signal back to the city displaying the amount of water that passes through the meter. The City of Houston has experienced an increase in remote reading devices that are no longer functioning (due to age, damage, extreme weather conditions, etc.).

This dashboard can be used to track the progress of replacement for active, residential accounts by neighborhood, or to look up individual account status.

VIEW THE IMPROVEMENT PLAN DASHBOARD

Set Usage

For accounts older than one year (created before March 1, 2023), set usage is calculated using the average water consumption available on the account, up to 36 months.

For accounts less than one year old (created after March 1, 2023), set usage of 3,000 gallons per month will be assigned based on the average consumption for new Houston water accounts.

Customers will return to actual water usage billing once their remote read device has been verified and is transmitting accurate water usage. Customers will receive a notice 60 days before being transitioned back to actual usage billing. Some customers already have a functioning remote reading device on their meters and may return to actual usage as early as August 2024.

Learn more about set usage billing by checking out the Set Usage Flowchart.

Customer Service Enhancements

A portion of the comprehensive plan will enhance the customer service experience through a holistic approach.

Expand in-person customer service availability. Customers can now schedule in-person or virtual appointments by visiting the [email protected]/">following page.
Employ new quality control measures to alert to possible inaccurate bills and easy resolution process.
Streamline relief requests into one centralized form.
Redesign utility bill to make it easier for customers to understand.
Repealed City Ordinances 47-72 to make it easier to provide accurate adjustments to customer accounts. City Council voted to repeal this ordinance on March 20, 2024.

ACCESS YOUR ONLINE CUSTOMER PROFILE

Translated Documents

Press Release (April 4,2024)

Water Bill Improvement Plan - Press Release - Arabic

Water Bill Improvement Plan - Press Release - Chinese

Water Bill Improvement Plan - Press Release - French

Water Bill Improvement Plan - Press Release - Spanish

Water Bill Improvement Plan - Press Release - Vietnamese

Plan Fact Sheet

Plan Fact Sheet - Arabic

Plan Fact Sheet - Chinese

Plan Fact Sheet - French

Plan Fact Sheet - Spanish

Plan Fact Sheet - Vietnamese

Plan FAQs

Coming Soon

Set Usage Flowchart

Set Usage Flowchart - Arabic

Set Usage Flowchart - Chinese

Set Usage Flowchart - French

Set Usage Flowchart - Spanish

Set Usage Flowchart - Vietnamese

Plan Customer Experience Roadmap

Customer Experience Road Map - Arabic

Customer Experience Road Map - Chinese

Customer Experience Road Map - French

Customer Experience Road Map - Spanish

Customer Experience Road Map - Vietnamese

Questions?

Houston Water Bill Improvement Plan
Houston Public Works
713.371.1400
[email protected]" class="coh-link" target="_self" > [email protected]

Press Release (April 4, 2024)

Plan Fact Sheet

Plan FAQs

Set Usage Flowchart

Plan Customer Experience Roadmap

Tweets by HouPublicWorks

Director's Office of Communications
[email protected]">[email protected]

What We Do ...

The Department’s responsibilities include operation and maintenance of the City’s streets and drainage, production and distribution of water, collection and treatment of wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private construction.

MSD Application 2023-171-PMT

shernandez — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:23:18 +0000

MSD Application 2023-171-PMT shernandez Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:23

MSD Application 2023-171-PMT

2023-171-PMT
Pinemont LLC
7721 Pinemont Drive

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

MSD 2023-172-ACP

shernandez — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:46:57 +0000

MSD 2023-172-ACP shernandez Tue, 01/09/2024 - 16:46

MSD 2023-172-ACP

2023-172-ACP
±5.745-Acre Commercial Property
3511 West 12th Street
Houston, Harris County, Texas 77008

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

MSD 2023-170-RIC

shernandez — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:08:30 +0000

MSD 2023-170-RIC shernandez Wed, 12/20/2023 - 14:08

MSD 2023-170-RIC

2023-170-RIC
Roberts Industrial Center
3301, 3303, 3215, 3217 Sherman St. &
3210 Commerce St., Houston Tx 77003

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

Cross Connection Control Program

thoang — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:27:54 +0000

Cross Connection Control Program thoang Fri, 12/01/2023 - 20:27

Cross Connection Control Program

Houston Cross Connection Control Program

Houston’s Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) strives to maintain the quality of water provided to all our customers by reducing the risk of contamination and/or pollution of the City of Houston’s public water systems. To accomplish this, the CCCP works to ensure that proper backflow prevention is set in place and maintained as required by state and local regulations for all cross-connections. The program conducts investigations at facilities where potential cross-connection hazards exist, educates the public about cross connection control, and enforces state and uniform plumbing code requirements regarding backflow prevention. The program requires the installation, maintenance, and annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies on cross connections or for proper air gaps to be in place to eliminate cross connections.

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a link that can either be direct or indirect between potable and non-potable water/plumbing systems. Contaminants and pollutants can enter the drinking water supply through cross connections when a backflow event occurs affecting the drinking water quality and presenting a serious threat to public health. Some cross connections can be eliminated through an air gap between potable water and non-potable water systems, but some connections can be inevitable. In situations where cross connections must exist, backflow prevention assemblies must be installed and maintained to protect from hazards entering the location's plumbing and the City’s drinking water supply. The type of hazard at hand will determine the type of backflow prevention assembly required to be installed. To learn more about cross connection control, its hazards, and the requirements for backflow prevention assemblies, click on the additional related information on the right panel of this page.

Water Customer’s Cross Connection Control Responsibilities

Houston water customers are required to have the proper backflow protection depending on the severity of the hazard. All cross connections must have the proper backflow prevention assemblies installed and properly maintained. State Rules and Regulations and the City of Houston Plumbing Code, mandate testing the backflow preventer assemblies at the time of installation, repair, relocation, and annually thereafter. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in citations being issued with fines of up to $2,000 per day and the risk of potential suspension of water services.

All backflow prevention assembly testing must be completed by a TCEQ-licensed tester listed on Houston’s Cross Connection Control Program Backflow Testing Company List. This is updated monthly and can be found on the right panel of this page.

Address: 7101 Renwick Dr. Houston, Texas 77081
Main Line: (832) 395-3800
[email protected]" class="coh-link" target="_self" > [email protected]

City of Houston Forms and Links

Backflow Tester Company List

Backflow Prevention Assembly Removal Form

Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing Company Application

Transient, Small, and Large Meter Application Process (Domestic, Irrigation, Fire, etc.)

City of Houston Codes and Amendments

City of Houston Infrastructure and Design Model (IDM)

Citation/Fine Information

Additional Resources

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cross-Connection Control Manual

TCEQ Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

University of Southern California-Foundation for Cross-Connection Control & Hydraulic Research

What is backflow?

The undesirable reversal in flow in which contaminants or pollutants may enter the potable water drinking system through a cross connection. A backflow event may occur due to backpressure and back-siphonage.

What is back-siphonage and what may cause it?

Back-siphonage is the reversal in flow of potable water due to a negative pressure in the water supply. Back-siphonage may occur when there is an increase in water use in an area dropping the main supply pressure, repairs or breaks on the supply line, damaged fire hydrants, firefighting, etc.

What is backpressure and what may cause it?

Backpressure is the reversal in flow of potable water due to a higher pressure downstream from the water supply pressure. Backpressure may occur with pressurized tanks, reclaim systems outputting higher pressures than water supply, boiler systems, etc.

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is a link that can either be direct or indirect between potable and non-potable water systems. Contaminants and pollutants can enter the drinking water supply through cross-connection when a backflow event occurs affecting the drinking water quality and presenting a serious threat to public health.

What is a backflow preventer/prevention assembly?

A backflow prevention assembly, also known as a backflow preventer, is a device that protects the drinking water supply from contaminants or pollutants from entering the potable water system when backflow occurs. The type of hazards to the water supply will dictate the type of device needed to be installed.

How can I upload my backflow prevention assembly test results?

Test results must be uploaded by the testing company into the 3rd party software SwiftComply and pay associated fees to receive test result credit. Please ensure to keep test results onsite and communicate with the backflow testing company regarding their submission of the test report.

What do I do if the hazard and backflow prevention assembly has been removed?

Some backflow preventer assemblies may have been previously replaced, removed, or duplicated. Please have your plumber, engineer, or backflow testing company email us a Backflow Prevention Assembly Removal Form at [email protected].

How do I become a certified backflow prevention assembly tester in the City of Houston?

To become a certified backflow tester in Houston, you must hold a current TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license and submit a City of Houston Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Application. This application will be reviewed by the Cross Connection Control Program and testers must receive approval from the program before commencement.

Am I required to have a backflow preventer?

Yes, if there is a cross-connection within your establishment you are required to have a backflow preventer at the cross connection. Depending on the establishment’s hazards you may also be required to have a backflow prevention assembly installed on the service water line. Per state code, a backflow prevention assembly installed at the service line is considered as additional protection and must not negate the use of backflow protection on internal hazards.

What are the backflow preventer maintenance requirements?

All testable backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least once on annual basis, when relocated, when repaired, and immediately after installation. Assemblies must be in good working condition based on manufacture standards. Any missing or damaged parts must be immediately replaced or fixed.

Who can test backflow prevention assemblies installed on fire lines?

Only backflow prevention assembly testers that are employed by a State of Texas approved fire line contractor may test and fix assemblies on fire lines. Please ensure to contact the proper company to test your backflow prevention assemblies, highlighted in red in the Backflow Testing Company List.

If I test my backflow prevention assembly and it fails, am I in compliance?

No, if the backflow preventer assemblies have been tested and failed, your location remains out of compliance until a passing test report is submitted.

How much is a citation or fine?

The Cross Connection Control Program does not determine the final citation fine amount. Please have your citation number on hand and contact the City of Houston Municipal Courts to receive additional information regarding the fine amount.

Do I have to attend court if a citation is issued?

The person that was issued the citation is responsible and must attend court or contact the courthouse to pay the fine prior to their court date. For additional questions about the citation please contact the City of Houston Municipal Courts.

Municipal Setting Designation Ordinances

shernandez — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:19:51 +0000

Municipal Setting Designation Ordinances shernandez Thu, 11/09/2023 - 14:19

Municipal Setting Designation Ordinances

Information for MSD Ordinances.

For more information concerning the MSD Ordinances , call: 832.394.8976 or by e-mail to: [email protected]">[email protected]

2022	2021	2020
Ordinance 2022	Ordinance 2021-616-FSF Ordinance 2021-160-NJS Ordinance 2021-159-LSH Ordinance 2021-158-NVC Ordinance 2021-157-WSP Ordinance 2021-156-SOP	Ordinance 2020-151-DSP Ordinance 2020-146-PHV

Reina J. González, Project Manager

MSD 2022-165-IHI

shernandez — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:12:03 +0000

MSD 2022-165-IHI shernandez Thu, 10/26/2023 - 13:12

MSD 2022-165-IHI

2022-165-IHI
Ismaili Center Houston
2323 Allen Pkwy. Houston, TX 77019

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

MSD 2022-163-UFC

shernandez — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:27:26 +0000

MSD 2022-163-UFC shernandez Wed, 10/18/2023 - 15:27

MSD 2022-163-UFC

2022-163-UFC
Ultra Fine Cleaners
12280-12288 Westheimer Rd.

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

MSD 2023-169-NPP

shernandez — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:50:18 +0000

MSD 2023-169-NPP shernandez Fri, 10/13/2023 - 16:50

MSD 2023-169-NPP

2023-169-TCI
Tuffli Company Inc.
1685 & 1695 South St

Executive Summary

Full Application

Deidre VanLangen, Program Manager

City of Houston - Houston Public Works

Public Notification of Water Shut Offs

Public Notification of Water Shut Offs

Improve Water Bills

HOUSTON WATER BILL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Plan Overview

[email protected]/" class="coh-link card-link coh-ce-cpt_impact_card-63e38b8f" target="_self" aria-label="Schedule now" > Customer Service Enhancements

Improvement Plan Dashboard

Set Usage

Customer Service Enhancements

Translated Documents

Questions?

What We Do ...

MSD Application 2023-171-PMT

MSD Application 2023-171-PMT

MSD 2023-172-ACP

MSD 2023-172-ACP

MSD 2023-170-RIC

MSD 2023-170-RIC

Cross Connection Control Program

Cross Connection Control Program

Municipal Setting Designation Ordinances

Municipal Setting Designation Ordinances

2022

2021

2020

MSD 2022-165-IHI

MSD 2022-165-IHI

MSD 2022-163-UFC

MSD 2022-163-UFC

MSD 2023-169-NPP

MSD 2023-169-NPP