Understanding Your Houston Water Bill

Your Houston water bill covers three services: water delivery, wastewater (sewer), and stormwater drainage. It comes monthly from the City of Houston. The bill can be confusing because it bundles multiple charges with different calculation methods — and it has gone up significantly in recent years as the city upgrades aging infrastructure.

Source: City of Houston Public Works; Houston City Council

What is on your bill:

• Water service — based on how much water you use (measured in 1,000-gallon units). Tiered pricing: the more you use, the higher the rate per unit.
• Wastewater (sewer) — based on your water usage (the city assumes most water you use goes down the drain). This is often the largest single charge.
• Stormwater/drainage fee — a flat fee based on your property's impervious cover (roof, driveway, etc.). This funds drainage infrastructure.
• Garbage fee — solid waste collection is included in the water bill for single-family homes.

Why bills are high: Houston is in the middle of a massive infrastructure upgrade. The city entered a federal consent decree with the EPA to fix its wastewater system — billions of dollars in required improvements. These costs are passed to ratepayers. Additionally, water and sewer rates have increased multiple times since 2019.

Average bill: A typical Houston household using 5,000 gallons/month pays approximately $80-120/month. Heavy summer irrigation can push bills to $200+.

Source: City of Houston; EPA consent decree; Houston Chronicle

Read your bill:

1. Check the usage line — how many thousand-gallon units did you use? Compare month-to-month.
2. A sudden spike usually means a leak (running toilet, dripping faucet, irrigation leak).
3. Your bill shows your meter read dates. Make sure the billing period matches (sometimes estimated reads cause spikes).

Lower your bill:

• Fix leaks. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons/day — $50+/month.
• Water your lawn only when needed. Follow the city's watering schedule during drought restrictions.
• Install low-flow fixtures — showerheads, faucet aerators, dual-flush toilets.
• Check for a high bill adjustment if a hidden leak caused a spike — call 713-371-1400.

Discounts:

• Seniors 65+, disabled residents, and low-income households can apply for a reduced water rate. Apply at a City of Houston Customer Service Center or call 713-371-1400.

Dispute a bill:

• Call 713-371-1400 and request a meter re-read.
• If you believe the meter is faulty, request a meter test (free).
• If you had a leak and repaired it, ask about the leak adjustment policy — the city may credit part of the overage.

City of Houston water billing:

• Customer service: 713-371-1400
• Pay online: houstontx.gov/water

Assistance programs:

• Low-income discount: 713-371-1400
• Utility assistance (if you cannot pay): call 211