Bill Payments

COVID-19 Notice

  • We will not be disconnecting water for customers who are behind on their bills during this health crisis. At the end of March, we will reassess our situation and will extend if necessary. 
  • If you are past due, Water Billing recommends making a payment of some amount , so that you do not have a big balance once we get past this crisis.
  • We are waiting 3 days to assess late charges.
  • We are aware of the inconvenience of not being able to pay on our website. We truly apologize for this. We are working with our IT Department to get a resolution.
  • In the meantime, you can make a payment through your bank (Bill Pay), sign up for bank draft, mail in a payment about 4 days before your due by date, night depository in our drive through lane, or come to the office.
  • You can call the office at 713-475-5566, however, our call volume is very high. We are getting contract employees to help take phone payments. We may consider waiving late charges if customer has a good payment history (no more than 2 late payments in a 12-month period)

Payment Options

For your convenience, we offer several ways to pay your bill.

  • Online on our website. Call 713-475-5566 if you need further assistance.
  • Over the phone by calling 713-475-5566 (You can pay by credit and/or debit card; a processing fee will be charged).
  • Automatic draft from a checking or saving account. To enroll in the program, customers must fill out and sign this bank authorization form (PDF). You may revoke bank draft authorization at any time by using this cancellation form (PDF).
  • In the night depository at the City Annex after business hours (these payments will not be processed until the following day’s business).
  • In person at the City Annex; if paying by credit or debit card a processing fee will be charged (4% of the amount being paid).
  • Drive-through lanes at the City Annex (only current bills).
  • In the mail (the date payment is received, not the postmark date, is used to determine timeliness).
  • By bill pay - most banks and other financial institutions offer a program called Bill Pay, which allows customers to set up payees online, and then submit payment requests. The financial institution will debit the customer’s account and electronically submit payment to the City. Note: Some banks still print and mail a check in so please check with your bank as this adds additional days before the City receives it.
  • At authorized payment locations - For accounts that are not past due, payments can be made at one of many of our authorized payment locations. Following are authorized payment locations:
    • Any Fidelity Express locations (currently can only accept cash payments).
    • Fiesta (1603 Spencer Highway)
    • Food Town (Richey/Harris)
    • Mexico Lindo (2145 Red Bluff Road)
    • Mi Tienda (Shaver/Spencer)
    • PLS Check Cashers (6868 Spencer Highway, 3023 Spencer Highway, and 950 E Pasadena Boulevard)
    • Seller’s Brothers (2311 Strawberry Road)

Payment Due By Dates

Customers have 18 days from the date of the bill to pay the balance due on their account without penalty. Please be aware that payments not received by the due by date are subject to a 10% late fee.

  • If your account begins with a “1,” your bill goes out on the 1st Thursday of the month
  • An account that begins with a “2” goes out the 2nd Thursday of the month
  • If the account begins with a “3” than it goes out on the 3rd Thursday
  • If it begins with a “4” then it is billed on the 4th Thursday of the month

Deposits

Deposits for residential customers are as follows: 

  • Owner - $125
  • Renter - $150

Commercial deposits are generally comparable to two months’ service of a commercial business similar to the applicant but no less than $75. In addition, a non-refundable $30 connect service charge must be paid before the services are connected.

Discounted Rates Program (65 & Over)

If you are 65 or older, you qualify for reduced rates for City water, sewer and garbage services. Reduced rates are available only for primary residences and you must provide the required documentation in order to qualify. Download the application for discounted rates (PDF).