How to Pay Your Houston Water Bill Online, by Mail, or In Person

Where to pay your Houston water bill

The City of Houston collects water bills through Houston Water, the municipal utility that serves the city. You can pay your bill through their website at houstonwater.org, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers around the city. Each method has different processing times and fees, so the fastest route depends on when your payment is due.

Houston Water does not charge a fee to pay online through their website or by automatic bank draft. Phone payments and in-person payments at retail locations (like grocery stores or check-cashing services) may include a convenience fee — the amount varies by the third-party processor handling the transaction. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Houston Water's processing center, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

Key Takeaways

• Pay online at houstonwater.org with no fee, or set up automatic payments from your bank account to avoid late fees entirely.
• Phone payments and payments at retail locations charge a convenience fee that varies by processor, typically $2 to $5.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send them at least two weeks before your due date.
• Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except automatic bank draft.
• Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty on the unpaid balance, and service can be disconnected after 60 days without payment.

Paying online through Houston Water's website

Go to houstonwater.org and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. Enter your account number (found on your water bill) and the amount you want to pay. You will be asked to provide a payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Payments made before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day post to your account the same day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day.

There is no fee to pay online through the Houston Water website. If you use a credit card, your card issuer may charge you a cash advance fee — that is separate from Houston Water and depends on your bank's rules. Debit cards and bank account transfers have no additional fees through Houston Water.

Setting up automatic payments from your bank

Automatic payments are the most reliable way to avoid late fees. You can set up automatic payments directly through Houston Water's website, or you can authorize automatic payments from your own bank account through your bank's bill pay feature. Both methods are free and take 1 to 2 business days to set up.

If you set up automatic payments through Houston Water, you choose the payment date each month and can change or cancel anytime through your online account. If you set up automatic payments through your bank, your bank handles the payment and sends it to Houston Water's mailing address. Either way, the payment posts within 1 to 3 business days of the scheduled date. Keep your account number handy — you will need it to set up the automatic payment.

Paying by phone or at retail locations

You can pay by phone by calling Houston Water's customer service line at 713-207-2700. A representative will take your account number and payment information over the phone. Phone payments are processed the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday.

You can also pay in person at retail locations that accept Houston Water payments, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services. These locations charge a convenience fee (usually $2 to $5) that is added to your bill. The payment posts to your account within 1 to 3 business days. Call 713-207-2700 to find a retail payment location near you, or check the Houston Water website for a list of authorized payment centers.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "City of Houston" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Houston Water's mailing address is typically listed on the back of your bill or on their website.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail — use online payment, phone payment, or in-person payment instead. Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty on the unpaid balance, so timing matters. If you are mailing a payment close to the due date, consider paying online or by phone to avoid a late fee.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, Houston Water adds a 1.5% penalty to the unpaid balance each month the account remains past due. After 30 days without payment, Houston Water may send a notice of intent to disconnect service. After 60 days without payment, your water service can be shut off without further notice.

If your service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee (typically $100 to $150, depending on the reason for disconnection) to restore service. Reconnection usually takes 1 to 3 business days after payment is received. If you are having trouble paying, contact Houston Water at 713-207-2700 to ask about payment plans or hardship programs — some information may be available depending on your situation.

Understanding your account number and bill details

Your account number is a unique identifier for your water service address and appears near the top of your bill. You need this number to pay online, by phone, or through automatic payments. Your bill also shows your service address, the amount due, the due date, and a breakdown of charges (water usage, sewer service, and any other fees).

If you cannot find your account number, call Houston Water at 713-207-2700 and provide your service address. A representative can look up your account and read the number to you. If you have moved or changed your service address, update your account with Houston Water before paying to make sure the payment goes to the correct account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through houstonwater.org. Houston Water does not charge a fee, but your credit card issuer may charge a cash advance fee depending on your card's terms. Debit cards and bank account transfers have no additional fees through Houston Water.

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

Payments made before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day post the same day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Automatic payments from your bank take 1 to 3 business days to post.

What if I pay my bill late?

Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly penalty on the unpaid balance. After 30 days past due, you receive a notice of intent to disconnect. After 60 days without payment, your water service can be shut off. You must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service.

Can I set up automatic payments if I do not have a bank account?

Automatic payments through Houston Water require either a debit card or bank account. If you do not have either, you can pay online with a debit card, by phone, or in person at a retail payment location. These methods do not require a bank account, though retail locations charge a convenience fee.

Is there a way to lower my water bill if I cannot afford to pay?

Contact Houston Water at 713-207-2700 to discuss your situation. Some payment plans or hardship programs may be available depending on your circumstances. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have before your account falls behind.