Houston Water Utility Desk: Pay, Log In, Call, Report or Fix a Bill
Use this page like a Houston utility help desk: pay a water bill, open the online account, call Utility Billing, report water or sewer trouble, start or move service, request a high-bill adjustment, check 2026 charges, and find the right official link fast.
Quick Answer Board
Need |
Use this official route |
Have ready |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
Pay water bill |
Water account number, service address, email, payment method. |
Portal supports bill pay, account transactions, prior bills, and usage tools. |
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Register / login |
Billing account number, email address, profile details. |
Online profile gives 24/7 access to pay bills, eBill, usage history, service requests, and online forms. |
|
Billing customer service |
Bill copy, account number, confirmation number, notice, address. |
Phone hours listed by Houston Public Works: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday. |
|
Mail Utility Billing |
Utility Billing, P.O. Box 4863, Houston, TX 77210-4863 |
Account number on check/money order and payment stub if mailing. |
Mail is not safe for urgent disconnect, appointment, or payment-deadline issues. |
Water leak / sewer wastewater |
Exact address, nearest cross street, photos if safe, issue type. |
311 has service requests for water/sewer leaks and other non-emergency city issues. |
|
High bill / leak adjustment |
Account holder name, account number, street number, ZIP, phone, email, repair documentation. |
Submit after leak repair if leak-related. Many requests must be within six months. |
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Start or move service |
Service address, move date, account holder details, ID if appointment is needed. |
Commercial and non-residential customers use a separate service route. |
|
Estimate 2026 bill |
Usage in 1,000 gallons. |
Calculator applies to single-family residential 5/8-inch meter accounts and excludes drainage fee. |
Fast warning: Customer-service appointment guidance says cash or check drop-off payments are not accepted on-site. It points customers to nearby Kroger, H-E-B, Fiesta, and Walmart options. For shutoff-risk accounts, call Utility Billing before choosing a slow payment method.
Official Houston Water Utility Contact Box
Billing Mailing Address
Utility Billing
P.O. Box 4863
Houston, TX 77210-4863
Use mailing only when there is enough time before due date, disconnection deadline, or document deadline.
Houston Public Works
Public Works address:
611 Walker Street
Houston, TX 77002
This is department/headquarters context, not a cash/check payment drop-off instruction.
Houston contact route | Official detail | Use for |
|---|---|---|
Utility Billing | 713-371-1400, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM | Water bill, payment, balance, account access, eBill, high bill, RRD/set usage, service start/move. |
Water bill email | customer.service@houstontx.gov | Billing follow-up after calling or portal action. |
Houston 311 | 311 or 713-837-0311, 24/7 | Water leak, sewer issue, public infrastructure concern, case tracking. |
311 email | 311@houstontx.gov | Non-emergency city service questions and service request follow-up. |
City switchboard | 713-837-0311 or 3-1-1 | General city routing. |
City TDD | 713-837-0215 | TDD access listed by City contact page. |
Water quality | waterquality@houstontx.gov or call 311 and ask for Water Quality team | Drinking Water Quality Report and water-quality questions. |
Public Works address | 611 Walker St., Houston, Texas 77002 | Department location context. |
Houston 311 address | 2805 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77003 | 311 program contact reference. |
City Hall | 901 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002; Annex 900 Bagby | General city contact context, not water-bill portal replacement. |
Provider check: “Houston, TX” on a mailing address does not automatically mean City of Houston Utility Billing. Many Houston-area addresses are served by MUDs, WCIDs, HOAs, private operators, apartments, or nearby cities. Pay the utility name printed on the bill.
Pay or Log In: Exact Steps
1. Open portal
Use the official Houston Water Bills portal, not ad-looking bill-pay pages.
2. Match account
Confirm account number, service address, customer name, amount due, and usage period.
3. Save proof
Keep confirmation number, date/time, amount, and last four of payment method.
4. Call if urgent
For deadlines, notices, or service interruption, call 713-371-1400 after payment.
Payment / account action | Official detail | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
Online payment | Houston Water Bills portal supports multiple payment methods and account tools. | Most normal bills and account management. | Save confirmation and check balance after posting. |
Online profile | Register to view/pay bills, eBill, usage history, service requests, and forms. | Customers who want usage alerts or recurring account access. | Use the same account holder details from your bill. |
Paperless eBill | Online profile includes paperless eBill access. | Avoiding missed mail and tracking account online. | Do not ignore mailed notices until paperless status is confirmed. |
Direct debit | Portal quick links include “Sign up for direct debit.” | Recurring payments and missed due-date prevention. | Do not assume it is active until confirmed in profile. |
Mail | Utility Billing, P.O. Box 4863, Houston, TX 77210-4863. | Normal bills with enough mailing time. | Not reliable for urgent disconnect deadlines. |
Retail locations | City appointment page points customers to Kroger, H-E-B, Fiesta, and Walmart for cash/check drop-off alternatives. | Customers who cannot pay online. | Ask about fee, posting time, and required account details. |
Customer-service appointment | Portal allows scheduling in-person or virtual Customer Service Representative appointments. | Complex billing issue, power of attorney, account-holder review, high-bill dispute. | Account holder, authorized contact, or power of attorney must attend; photo ID required for in-person meetings. |
Quick Pay / pay without full profile | Portal has payment and account tools; exact visible steps can vary by profile/account status. | Customers who need one payment now. | Confirm account before submitting. |
Official account links:
Past Due, Payment Agreement or Service Interruption
Notice received
- Call before mailing payment.
- Ask exact amount due today.
- Ask fastest posting method.
- Ask whether a payment agreement is available.
Payment pending
- Find confirmation number.
- Check bank/card status.
- Screenshot portal receipt.
- Ask whether Utility Billing can see the payment.
Service off
- Ask required amount to restore.
- Ask timing for restoration.
- Ask whether someone must be present.
- Write down case/request number.
Start, Move-In, Transfer or Commercial Service
Residential start / move-in
- Use the residential start/move-in service route.
- Prepare service address and move-in date.
- Use account-holder name exactly as needed.
- Have ID ready for any account-holder appointment or verification.
Commercial / non-residential
- Use the commercial customer service route.
- Prepare business name, service address, responsible party, contact details.
- Ask about deposit, backflow, meter size, and permit-related requirements.
Move or stop service
- Confirm final service date.
- Prepare forwarding address.
- Ask whether deposit/credit applies.
- Save request confirmation.
Account privacy note: appointment guidance says one of these must attend: account holder, designated authorized contact, or power of attorney listed on the account. In-person meetings require picture ID.
Report Water Leak, Sewer Problem, Sinkhole or Odor Through 311
Water / sewer leak
Call 311 from inside Houston or 713-837-0311. You can also submit through the 311 portal or Houston 311 app.
Trackable request
Online and app submissions generate a service request number. Use it to check status later.
Add details
Include address, cross street, description, photo if safe, and whether the problem threatens traffic or property.
Issue | What to say | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
Water leak in street | “Water is flowing/bubbling at [exact location].” | Address, cross street, flow direction, road hazard, time started. |
Hydrant leak | “A fire hydrant is leaking at [location].” | Nearest property, traffic impact, water volume, photo if safe. |
Sewer backup | “Wastewater is backing up at [fixture/location].” | Home/business address, fixture affected, when started, neighbors affected. |
Overflowing manhole | “A manhole is overflowing at [street/cross street].” | Manhole location, odor, flow direction, public contact risk. |
Sinkhole | “Possible sinkhole near water/sewer line at [location].” | Size, street/lane affected, traffic danger, water flow, sewer odor. |
Odor complaint | “Strong sewer odor at [location] since [time].” | Outdoor/indoor, manhole nearby, rain event, construction nearby. |
Emergency safety: call 911 for immediate danger to life or property. Use Houston 311 for non-emergency city water/sewer service requests that need routing and tracking.
High Bill, Leak Repair, ULB or Exceptional Circumstance Adjustment
Private leak
Submit after repair. Form asks whether the high bill is due to private leak and asks for leak repair date and repair document.
ULB review
Unusually Large Bill adjustment can apply to unexplained usage over 200% of average consumption for one month in a 12-month period.
ECA review
Exceptional Circumstance Adjustment can allow review for up to two bills within a 24-month period, with credit capped at $10,000.
Adjustment type | Official form detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
Leak Adjustment (LKA) | Applies to loss of water through an excusable defect in customer’s water line; up to three consecutive months within 12 months. | Repair leak first, then upload documentation. |
Leak credit timing | 100% credit for excess water charge if repair made within 30 days; 75% within 60 days; 50% after 60 days from leak start or notification date. | Do not delay repair or documentation. |
ULB | Single-family residential customer may receive one water/wastewater credit adjustment for one month during a 12-month period when unexplained usage is over 200% of average. | Apply within six months of high bill date. |
ECA | Residential, nonprofit, or commercial customer may receive credit for up to two bills within 24 months when unexplained usage is over 200% of average; credit may not exceed $10,000. | Apply within six months of high bill date. |
Repair document | Acceptable examples include plumber statement/bill, receipt for parts, or signed written statement showing repair date, address, repair type, and cost. | Prepare PDF/doc/photo before starting if possible. |
Upload format | Images accepted: JPG, GIF, PNG up to 4MB. Text documents accepted: DOC, DOCX, PDF. | Resize image or convert repair evidence before uploading. |
No leak repair | Form says Houston Public Works will review account for most beneficial water bill adjustment. | Explain usage change clearly and submit within deadline. |
Set Usage Billing, RRD Replacement and Actual Usage Changes
Set usage vs actual
Some single-family customers moved from blue “set usage” bills back to white “actual usage” bills after working remote reading devices were verified.
60-day notice
Customers transitioning back to actual usage receive official letters no sooner than 60 days before the change.
RRD help
Customers with RRD replacement questions should contact Utility Billing at 713-371-1400.
Bill clue | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Blue set usage bill | Account may still be billed by set usage until verified working RRD is available. | Review past use and ask Utility Billing about replacement status. |
White actual usage bill | Bill reflects actual usage from functioning reading device/meter process. | Compare current use with old set usage amount. |
Sudden increase after transition | Actual usage can be higher than prior set-usage amount. | Check leaks and usage history before filing adjustment. |
Missing/unknown RRD status | Improvement-plan page says most customers have transitioned back; remaining customers can call billing. | Call 713-371-1400 with account number. |
Remote-reading issue plus high bill | May need account review and adjustment form, depending on facts. | Gather photos, bills, usage history, plumber notes, and any City letter. |
2026 Water and Wastewater Charges
2026 rate period
The official calculator states charges are based on water and wastewater rates effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Calculator scope
The calculator applies to single-family residential water accounts with a 5/8-inch meter.
Drainage fee
The calculator notes that estimation does not include drainage fee. Check the actual bill for full total.
Bill item | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
Water charge | Usage and service charges for drinking water. | Compare gallons used with prior months. |
Wastewater charge | Sewer/wastewater service charge. | Watch for seasonal or leak-driven usage changes. |
Drainage fee | Not included in the single-family calculator estimate. | Look at actual bill for drainage/stormwater line items. |
Solid waste / other city fees | May appear on utility bill depending on City billing policy and service type. | Do not confuse non-water fees with water usage increase. |
Usage unit | Calculator asks for usage in 1,000 gallons. | Example: enter 3 for 3,000 gallons. |
Meter size | Calculator is only for 5/8-inch meter single-family residential accounts. | Larger meter, multifamily, commercial, or nonstandard accounts need current rate sheet/support. |
Calculator use: estimate only the water/wastewater portion. If the estimate does not match your bill, compare meter size, drainage charge, other fees, account type, prior balance, adjustment line, and usage history.
Leak Check, Toilet Dye Test and Water Conservation
Leak test
Turn off all water inside and outside, check the meter, wait two hours without water use, then check again. Changed numbers can point to a hidden leak.
Toilet dye test
Add dye tablet or food coloring to the tank, wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means a toilet leak.
Free items
Houston Water offers free water-saving faucet aerators and leak-detecting tablets while supplies last, with household limits.
High-bill check | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Faucets and showers | Look for dripping faucets, worn washers, and loose connections. | Small leaks can waste water all month. |
Toilets | Run dye test and replace worn flapper/valve if needed. | Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons a day. |
Hose bibs and sprinklers | Inspect hoses, hose bibs, sprinkler heads, irrigation lines and wet spots. | Outdoor leaks can cause sudden usage spikes. |
Meter test | Use two-hour no-water meter test. | Separates actual water movement from billing confusion. |
Outdoor watering | Water at night, avoid runoff, use WaterMyYard, drip irrigation, native plants and mulch. | Reduces seasonal Houston water use. |
Report public leaks | Call 311 or use Houston 311 app/portal. | Public leaks in hydrants, plumbing or city facilities should be routed to the City. |
W.A.T.E.R. Fund and Bill Help
Who it helps
Houston Public Works describes the W.A.T.E.R. Fund as assistance for seniors, low-income, and disabled Houstonians needing help paying water bills.
How it is supported
The program is fully supported by voluntary donations, with 100% of contributions going directly to those in need.
Best first step
Call Utility Billing at 713-371-1400 and ask about current W.A.T.E.R. Fund eligibility, documents, and availability.
Water Quality, Source Water and Service Line Inventory
Water quality report
Houston Public Works publishes annual Drinking Water Quality Reports / Consumer Confidence Reports. Reports are due to customers by July 1 each year.
Water source
Houston’s source water includes surface water from Trinity River/Lake Livingston and San Jacinto River/Lake Conroe/Lake Houston, plus groundwater from Evangeline and Chicot aquifers.
Service line inventory
Houston is inventorying water service lines across six distribution systems under EPA Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
Question | Direct answer | Official route |
|---|---|---|
Who do I contact for water quality? | Email waterquality@houstontx.gov or call 311 / 713-837-0311 and ask for the Water Quality team. | |
Is Houston’s water system regulated? | Houston Water is a regulated public health agency governed by federal and state laws. | |
Who owns the service line? | City owns main-to-meter line; property owner owns meter-to-building line. | |
Could my home have lead pipe? | Federal law banned lead water service lines in the late 1980s, so homes built after 1989 should not have lead service lines. | Check the service-line inventory map. |
Will contractors enter my home? | Inspection page says contractors carry ID, knock first, do not ask to enter home, and inspection usually takes ten minutes or less. | |
Why do lead letters keep coming? | Customers served by lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown service lines receive annual notices until replacement/confirmation is resolved. |
Houston Local Service Context: City Limits, MUDs and Four-County Service Area
Area / situation | What matters | User action |
|---|---|---|
City of Houston retail account | Bill comes from City of Houston / Houston Water Bills. | Use Houston Water Bills portal and Utility Billing phone. |
Harris County addresses | Many addresses are inside Houston, but many others are MUDs, WCIDs, apartments, or private utility operators. | Check utility name printed on bill before paying. |
Fort Bend / Montgomery / surrounding county pockets | Houston Water infrastructure serves a four-county area, but retail billing may vary. | Do not assume city billing just because address says Houston. |
Wholesale districts | Houston provides wholesale water services to nearby towns and utility districts. | Residents may pay their district/operator, not City of Houston directly. |
Apartments and condos | Water may be included, submetered, allocated, or billed by property manager. | Ask landlord/property manager before using the City portal. |
Commercial / nonprofit / multifamily | Different service start, meter size, adjustment, and rate rules may apply. | Use commercial/non-residential route or call Utility Billing. |
Drainage / stormwater item | Drainage fee is separate from calculator estimate. | Review actual bill line items and call billing if unclear. |
Address rule: the name printed on the bill controls where to pay. Do not enter payment into Houston Water Bills unless your bill is actually from City of Houston / Houston Public Works Utility Billing.
Wastewater, Sewer Backups and Protect Our Pipes
System scale
Houston Wastewater Operations manages 38 wastewater treatment plants, two wet-weather facilities, 370+ lift stations, and more than 6,100 miles of wastewater pipelines.
Report backups
Wastewater service requests include sewer backups, blockages, sinkholes, and odor complaints. Use 311 for routing and tracking.
FOG / wipes warning
Houston Public Works says 70% of sewer overflows in Houston are caused by fats, oils, grease, and wipes.
Do not put down drain | Why | Better action |
|---|---|---|
Grease, oils, fats | They clog pipes and contribute to sewer overflows. | Cool, contain and trash; wipe pans before washing. |
Wipes labeled “flushable” | Wipes can clog collection systems. | Trash them. |
Paper towels / hygiene products | Do not break down like toilet paper. | Trash them. |
Food scraps | Can build up with grease and debris. | Compost or trash as appropriate. |
Chemicals / industrial waste | Can create regulatory and treatment problems. | Use proper disposal or pretreatment guidance. |
Map, Offices and Contact Addresses
Place / route | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
Houston Public Works | 611 Walker Street, Houston, TX 77002 | Public Works headquarters context and department location. |
Utility Billing mailing | P.O. Box 4863, Houston, TX 77210-4863 | Billing correspondence and mailed utility payments when not urgent. |
Houston 311 | 2805 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77003 | 311 program contact; call 713-837-0311 or email 311@houstontx.gov. |
City Hall | 901 Bagby, Second Floor, Houston, TX 77002 | General City Hall contact context, not water bill payment portal. |
City Hall Annex | 900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002 | General City of Houston contact context. |
Utility Billing phone | 713-371-1400 | Water bill, login, payment, service start/move, adjustment, RRD questions. |
Official Houston Water Links
Billing & portal
Utility Billing
Houston Water Bills Portal
Register Online Profile
Forms & adjustments
Universal Adjustment Form
Charge Calculator
Residential Start / Move-In
Service & water quality
Houston Water Utility FAQ
What is the Houston water bill phone number?
Call Houston Public Works Utility Billing at 713-371-1400. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
How do I pay my Houston water bill online?
Use the official Houston Water Bills portal at houstonwaterbills.houstontx.gov. You can pay, view transactions, print prior bills and manage account tools through the portal.
How do I register for Houston water bill login?
Use the online profile registration page. Registration asks for a billing account number and email address. After registering, you can view/pay bills, enroll in paperless eBill, view usage history, create service requests and access online forms.
What is the Houston water bill mailing address?
Utility Billing mailing address is P.O. Box 4863, Houston, TX 77210-4863. Do not rely on mail for urgent disconnection or deadline issues.
Who do I call for Houston water leaks or sewer issues?
Call Houston 311 or 713-837-0311. Houston 311 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for non-emergency city service requests, including water and sewer leaks.
What should I do for a high Houston water bill?
Check usage history, RRD/set usage status, leaks, toilets, irrigation and meter activity. Then use the Universal Adjustment Form with account details and repair documentation if applicable.
What proof is needed for a Houston leak adjustment?
The form asks for documentation showing repair date, address, type of repair and cost. Acceptable examples include plumber statement or bill, parts receipt or signed written statement.
What is Houston’s Unusually Large Bill adjustment?
ULB can allow one water/wastewater credit adjustment for one month during a 12-month period for a single-family residential customer with unexplained usage over 200% of average consumption. The request must be received within six months of the high bill date.
What is Houston’s Exceptional Circumstance Adjustment?
ECA can allow a residential, nonprofit or commercial customer to receive water/wastewater credit adjustment for up to two bills within a 24-month period when usage is unexplained and over 200% of average consumption. Credit may not exceed $10,000.
What are Houston’s 2026 water rate dates?
The official single-family residential charge calculator says calculated charges are based on rates effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, and the estimate does not include the drainage fee.
Who can use the Houston 2026 charge calculator?
The calculator says it applies to single-family residential water accounts with a 5/8-inch meter. It asks users to enter usage in 1,000 gallons.
Why did my Houston water bill change after set usage billing?
Houston’s Water Bill Improvement Plan says most customers have returned to actual usage billing after remote reading device replacement. Customers transitioning from set usage may see bills change based on actual water use.
What is an RRD?
An RRD is a remote reading device attached to a water meter that transmits usage data to the City. Customers with RRD replacement questions should call Utility Billing at 713-371-1400.
Does Houston have water bill assistance?
Houston Public Works says the W.A.T.E.R. Fund helps seniors, low-income and disabled Houstonians needing help paying water bills. Call Utility Billing at 713-371-1400 to ask about current assistance options.
Where can I find Houston’s water quality report?
Houston Public Works publishes annual Drinking Water Quality Reports on its Drinking Water Quality Report page. For water-quality questions, email waterquality@houstontx.gov or call 311 and ask for the Water Quality team.
Is this the official Houston Water Utility website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, notices, payment status, service status, rates, forms, and emergency instructions with official City of Houston and Houston Public Works sources.
30-Second Houston Water Checklist
Pay/login: Houston Water Bills portal → account/profile → payment → confirmation number.
Call: Utility Billing 713-371-1400, Monday-Friday 8 AM-7 PM; 311 live help 713-837-0311, 24/7.
Report: water leak or sewer wastewater through Houston 311; include address, cross street, photos if safe.
High bill: check RRD/set usage, leaks, irrigation, usage history, then submit Universal Adjustment Form with documents.
2026 estimate: use the single-family 5/8-inch meter calculator for rates effective April 1, 2026-March 31, 2027; drainage fee not included.
Provider check: if your bill is from a MUD, HOA, apartment, private operator, or another city, do not use Houston Water Bills portal.
Editorial Team
WaterBillGuide.us
The content on WaterBillGuide.us is researched and prepared by our editorial team. Our writers and researchers review publicly available information from official utility websites and service portals to create clear, step-by-step informational guides.
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