Where and how to pay Houston Water
Houston Water operates the water and wastewater system for the city. You can pay your bill through their official website at houstontx.gov/water, by phone at 713-207-2700, by mail, or in person at payment centers around the city. The fastest route is online — you can pay when ready without waiting for a representative, and the payment posts within one business day.
If you pay online, you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in autopay, where Houston Water withdraws the amount due each month automatically. Autopay typically processes on the due date shown on your bill.
Payment by phone goes through a customer service representative who can also answer questions about your bill or account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Houston Water's processing center, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through houstontx.gov/water is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
- Autopay removes the need to remember your due date each month, though you can cancel it anytime.
- Phone payments (713-207-2700) let you speak with a representative but take longer than online.
- Mail payments require 7 to 10 days to process, so send them at least two weeks before your due date.
- Late fees explore if payment is not received by the due date printed on your bill.
Setting up autopay through Houston Water
Autopay is the most reliable way to avoid missing a payment. You set it up once on the Houston Water website, and the system withdraws your bill amount on the due date each month. You can choose to pay from a checking account or debit card.
To enroll, log into your account on houstontx.gov/water, go to the billing section, and select the autopay option. You'll enter your bank routing number and account number, or your debit card details. Houston Water will verify the account with a small test deposit (usually under $1) that you'll see on your bank statement within a few days.
If your bill amount changes month to month, autopay will charge whatever the current bill is. You can pause or cancel autopay anytime through your online account, and you'll receive an email confirmation when you do.
Payment methods and processing times
| Method | How to Pay | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | houstontx.gov/water, account number required | 1 business day | when ready payment, no waiting |
| Phone | 713-207-2700, debit card or bank account | Same day if before 5 p.m. | Questions about your bill |
| Check or money order to Houston Water address on bill | 7–10 business days | Preferred payment method is check | |
| In person | Cash, check, or debit card at payment center | Same day | when ready confirmation |
| Autopay | Bank account or debit card, set up online | Due date each month | Never missing a payment |
In-person payment centers are located throughout Houston. You can find the nearest one by calling 713-207-2700 or checking the Houston Water website. Payment centers accept cash, checks, and debit cards but typically do not accept credit cards.
What to do if you can't pay by the due date
If you know you'll miss your due date, contact Houston Water before the bill is late. Call 713-207-2700 and speak with a representative about your situation. They may be able to set up a payment arrangement that lets you pay in installments rather than all at once.
Late fees are added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill total and is shown on your next statement. If you have a low income, Houston Water offers a Customer information Program that can reduce your bill or help with past-due amounts — call the same number to ask about it.
If your service is shut off due to non-payment, you'll need to pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee to restore water. Reconnection typically takes one business day after payment is received.
Finding your account number and due date
Your account number and due date are printed on your Houston Water bill, usually near the top. The account number is typically a 10-digit number. If you've lost your bill, you can find this information by logging into your online account at houstontx.gov/water or by calling 713-207-2700.
You can also sign up for email billing through the Houston Water website so you receive your bill electronically each month. Email bills arrive a few days before the due date and include a direct link to pay online.
Paying a bill for a rental property or business
If you manage a rental property or business account with Houston Water, the payment process is the same as for residential accounts. You'll use your business account number to pay online, by phone, or by mail. Some property managers set up autopay to may support rent-related utilities are never late.
If you're a tenant and your lease says the landlord pays water, contact your landlord if you receive a bill. Tenants should not pay water bills that are the landlord's responsibility under the lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Houston Water bill with a credit card?
Online and phone payments do not accept credit cards — only debit cards or bank accounts. In-person payment centers also typically do not accept credit cards. If you need to use a credit card, you may be able to pay through a third-party payment processor, though this usually adds a fee.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. If you continue to miss payments, Houston Water may shut off your service. You'll need to pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee to restore water.
How do I change my due date?
You can request a different due date by calling 713-207-2700. Houston Water will work with you to set a date that fits your pay schedule. Changes usually take effect on your next billing cycle.
Is there a discount if I pay my bill in full early?
Houston Water does not offer early-payment discounts. However, paying early ensures you avoid late fees and service interruption. Autopay is the easiest way to pay on time every month.
Can I dispute a charge on my Houston Water bill?
If you believe your bill is incorrect, call 713-207-2700 to speak with a representative. They can review your account and explain the charges. Do not withhold payment while disputing — continue paying to avoid late fees and service shutoff.