Pay your Houston water bill online through the City of Houston's official website or by phone
The City of Houston offers several ways to pay your water bill without visiting a payment center in person. The fastest route is the city's online portal at houstontx.gov/water, where you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. You can also pay by phone at 311 (from within Houston) or 713-837-0311 (from outside the city), and a representative will process your payment over the phone.
Payments made online typically post to your account within one business day. If you pay by phone, the representative will give you a confirmation number immediately. Both methods charge a convenience fee — the amount depends on your payment method and the processing company handling the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Houston's water payment portal at houstontx.gov/water accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers.
- Phone payments through 311 or 713-837-0311 are processed by a representative who provides a confirmation number on the spot.
- Online and phone payments both charge a convenience fee that varies by payment method.
- Payments typically post within one business day, though bank transfers may take longer depending on your bank.
- You will need your account number, which appears on your water bill, to make a payment through any method.
What you need before you pay online
Have your water bill or account number ready. Your account number is an 8-digit number printed on your bill. You will also need either a debit card, credit card, or bank account information — the online portal accepts all three.
If you do not have your bill in front of you, you can look up your account number on the city's website by entering your service address. This takes a few minutes but saves you from having to search for the bill itself.
Steps to pay through the online portal
Go to houstontx.gov/water and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. Click it and enter your account number. The system will pull up your account and show your current balance and due date.
Select your payment amount — you can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or a custom amount. Choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and enter the required information. Review the convenience fee before confirming. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Keep your confirmation number and email receipt for your records. If there is a dispute later, you will need proof that you paid on a specific date.
Paying by phone through 311
Call 311 from any phone in Houston, or 713-837-0311 from outside the city. A representative will ask for your account number and verify your identity by asking for your service address or the last four digits of the phone number on file.
Tell the representative the amount you want to pay and your preferred payment method. They will process the payment and read back a confirmation number. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Ask the representative to email or mail a receipt if you prefer written documentation.
Understanding convenience fees
The City of Houston does not charge a fee to pay your bill, but the third-party payment processor does. Convenience fees typically range from $2 to $5 depending on whether you use a card or bank account, though the exact amount varies. The fee is added to your payment total before you confirm.
If you want to avoid the convenience fee entirely, you can mail a check to the address on your bill or pay in person at a Houston water payment center. Payment centers are located throughout the city; the city's website lists all locations and hours.
Setting up automatic payments
The City of Houston allows you to set up recurring payments through the online portal so your bill is paid automatically each month. This requires a bank account — you cannot use automatic payments with a credit or debit card.
To set up automatic payments, log into the portal, find the "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment" option, and enter your bank account information. You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you paid online and your account still shows a past-due balance after two business days, log back into the portal and check your payment history. Your confirmation number should appear there with a status showing whether the payment was processed or is still pending.
If the payment shows as processed but your bill still appears unpaid, contact the city's water billing department at 713-207-2700. Have your confirmation number and the date you paid ready. A representative can investigate whether the payment was applied to the correct account or if there was a processing error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the online portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. A convenience fee applies to all payment methods, and the fee amount depends on which type you choose. Check the fee before you confirm your payment.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
Late payments may result in a late fee added to your next bill. The city also charges interest on overdue balances. If your bill is significantly past due, the city may shut off your water service. Paying as soon as you can, even if late, stops additional charges from accumulating.
Can I pay someone else's water bill online?
You can pay any bill if you have the account number, but the online portal does not require you to prove you are the account holder. If you are paying a family member's bill, you will need their account number. For security reasons, contact the city directly if you want to set up a formal arrangement.
Is the payment portal secure?
The City of Houston's payment portal uses standard encryption to protect your financial information. However, never share your account number or payment details with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the city. The city will never ask for payment information by email or unsolicited phone call.
How long does a bank account transfer take to post?
Bank transfers typically post within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing time. Online credit and debit card payments usually post within one business day. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, pay at least two business days before your due date.