Where and how to pay Houston Water Authority bills
The City of Houston's water utility is run by the Houston Water Authority, and they offer three main ways to pay: online through their website, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Online payment is the fastest option and posts to your account within one business day. By mail takes seven to ten business days, and in-person payment at a Houston Water Authority office or authorized payment location is when ready.
You do not need to create an account to pay online, though having one lets you set up automatic payments and view your bill history. The bill itself arrives by mail or email, depending on your preference, and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date — usually the 20th of the month.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Houston Water Authority website is the fastest method and does not require you to create an account, though one is optional.
- Automatic payments can be set up through your account to deduct from your bank account or credit card on a date you choose each month.
- In-person payment at a Houston Water Authority office or authorized retailer like ACE Cash Express posts when ready and requires only your account number and payment amount.
- Mail payments take seven to ten business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, and service can be disconnected after 30 days of non-payment.
Paying online without creating an account
The Houston Water Authority's website accepts one-time online payments without requiring you to register. Go to the payment page, enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and the payment posts within one business day.
One-time online payments do charge a convenience fee, which varies depending on your payment method. Debit and credit card payments typically carry a fee of around 2.5 percent of the amount paid, while bank account payments (ACH) usually have a flat fee of a few dollars. The fee is added to your total, so confirm the final amount before submitting.
Setting up automatic payments or an online account
If you want to avoid the convenience fee and pay automatically each month, create a free account on the Houston Water Authority website. Once registered, you can link your bank account and set up automatic payments to deduct on a date you choose — typically the same day each month. Automatic payments from a bank account have no convenience fee.
Your account also shows your bill history, current balance, and usage trends. You can switch your bill delivery to email instead of mail, which speeds up when you see the bill. If you need to pause or change your automatic payment, you can do so from your account dashboard at any time.
Paying by mail
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill and mail it to the address printed on the bill itself. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to post, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to may support it arrives on time and avoids a late fee.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you do not have your bill and need the mailing address, call the Houston Water Authority at 713-207-2700 or check their website for the current payment address, as it may change.
Paying in person at Houston Water Authority offices
The Houston Water Authority operates payment centers in Houston where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payment posts when ready, so there is no waiting period. Bring your account number and the amount you owe. The main office is located at 1001 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002, and hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should confirm hours before visiting.
Some authorized payment locations, such as ACE Cash Express branches throughout Houston, also accept Houston Water Authority payments. These locations may have extended hours beyond the main office. Call 713-207-2700 to find the nearest payment location to you.
Late fees, disconnection, and what happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, a late fee is added to your account. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or account for the exact amount. After 30 days of non-payment, the Houston Water Authority can disconnect your water service without further notice.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact the Houston Water Authority before the due date to discuss your options. They may offer a payment plan or direct you to local information programs. Waiting until after disconnection makes the process more difficult and may result in a reconnection fee on top of your unpaid balance.
Paying with a credit card or third-party payment service
The Houston Water Authority's official website accepts credit cards for one-time payments, though a convenience fee applies. Some third-party payment platforms like PayPal or Bill.com may also process Houston Water Authority payments, but these services charge their own fees and are not run by the city. Use only the official Houston Water Authority website or authorized payment locations to avoid confusion or fraud.
If you use a third-party service, confirm that the payment is actually going to the Houston Water Authority and not being held in a separate account. Always check your Houston Water Authority account online or by phone to verify that your payment posted correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number?
Your account number is printed on your water bill in the upper right corner or near the top of the page. If you do not have your bill, call the Houston Water Authority at 713-207-2700 with your address, and they can provide your account number.
Can I pay someone else's water bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online, by mail, or in person using their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account.
What is the convenience fee, and can I avoid it?
The convenience fee is charged for one-time online payments and typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent for card payments or a flat fee for bank account payments. You can avoid the fee by setting up a free account and using automatic payments from your bank account, or by paying by mail or in person.
How long does it take for my payment to show up?
Online payments post within one business day. In-person payments post when ready. Mail payments take seven to ten business days. Automatic payments from a bank account post on the date you select.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
A late fee is added to your account. After 30 days of non-payment, the Houston Water Authority can disconnect your water service. Contact them before disconnection to set up a payment plan if you need more time.