Where to pay your Houston water bill

The City of Houston accepts water payments through several channels. You can pay online at houstontx.gov/water, by phone at 311 (or 713-207-2700 from outside Houston), by mail, or in person at Houston Water payment locations. Online and phone payments process immediately; mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the city, so send them early if your due date is approaching.

In-person payment locations include the Houston Water Customer Service Center at 1002 Washington Avenue downtown, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some Houston Public Library branches also accept water payments. You can find the current list of payment locations on the city's website.

Online payment requires your account number, which appears on your bill. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments work the same way. Neither method charges a fee through the city's official channels, though some third-party payment processors may add a convenience charge — the city's system does not.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment at houstontx.gov/water and phone payment at 311 both process the same day, while mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need your account number to pay online or by phone, which you can find on your water bill or by calling 311.
  • The city does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made through its official system.
  • If your bill is due within a week, use online or phone payment rather than mail to avoid a late fee.
  • Late payments trigger a 10 percent penalty on top of your bill amount, and service can be disconnected after 30 days of non-payment.

Setting up automatic payments

Houston Water allows you to set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember. You can arrange this through the online portal at houstontx.gov/water or by calling 311. Automatic payments draw from your bank account on a date you choose, typically around your bill's due date.

Automatic payment is useful if you want to avoid late fees and service interruption, but you should still check your bill each month to make sure the amount is correct. If you dispute a charge or notice an error, you can pause automatic payments and contact Houston Water to resolve it before the next payment date.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, Houston Water adds a 10 percent penalty to your balance. This penalty is separate from your regular bill amount. For example, if your bill is $100 and you pay late, you owe $110.

After 30 days of non-payment, the city can disconnect your water service. A reconnection fee applies when service is restored, and you must pay the full overdue balance plus penalties and reconnection costs. If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Houston Water at 311 to discuss a payment plan or hardship options before the account falls 30 days behind.

Understanding your account number and bill

Your Houston Water account number is a unique identifier for your property's water service. It appears on your bill, on your payment stub, and in any correspondence from the city. When you call 311 or pay online, you will need this number to locate your account and make a payment.

Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, your current meter reading, and how much water you used during the billing period. Bills are typically mailed monthly. If you do not receive a bill, you can view it online at houstontx.gov/water by logging into your account, or you can call 311 to request a copy or confirm your mailing address.

Paying a bill for a rental property or business

If you own rental property or a business in Houston, you receive a separate water bill for that address. The payment process is the same — online, phone, mail, or in person — but you will use the account number for that specific property. Some property owners set up automatic payments for multiple accounts to simplify management.

If you have questions about a bill for a rental property, such as whether a tenant is responsible for payment or how to transfer the account, call 311. The city can explain the rules for your situation and help you update account information if ownership or tenancy changes.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, Houston Water may work with you on a payment plan. Call 311 to explain your situation and ask about options. The city does not publicly advertise a formal hardship program, but customer service representatives can discuss arrangements based on your circumstances.

Payment plans typically allow you to split your bill into smaller amounts over several weeks or months. The goal is to keep your account current and avoid service disconnection. You must stay on the agreed schedule — missing a payment on a plan can result in disconnection even if you are making progress on the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Houston water bill with a credit card online?

Yes, the city's online payment system at houstontx.gov/water accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments. There is no fee through the city's official system, though some third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee if you use them instead.

How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my account?

Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach Houston Water and post to your account. If your due date is within two weeks, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.

What is the reconnection fee if my water is shut off?

The city charges a reconnection fee when service is restored after disconnection for non-payment, but the exact amount varies. Call 311 to find out the current fee and to arrange reconnection once you have paid your overdue balance and penalties.

Can I set up automatic payments for multiple properties?

Yes, you can manage multiple accounts online or by phone. Each property has its own account number, and you can set up automatic payments for each one separately through houstontx.gov/water or by calling 311.

What if I think my water bill is wrong?

Contact Houston Water at 311 to report a billing error or dispute a charge. Do not ignore the bill — continue making payments while the issue is investigated, or set up a payment plan to avoid late fees and disconnection.