HOUSTON — How much you pay for your water bill could soon be changing. Houston Public Works is starting to send notices to customers. The department began overhauling the billing process earlier this year to regain public trust after more than a year of complaints about high water bills.
In May, all residential customers were put on a set usage. Meaning, your bill is set based on your average water usage, regardless of what you’re using. Beginning in August, the first round of customers will be moved to actual usage.
One customer called us for help to understand her bill. Her set usage is 1,000 gallons and her actual water usage is 5,000 gallons. She’s paying less because it’s a set usage. However, if she uses 5,000 in August and is charged for the water she is using, her water bill will be higher.
You can find out if this will impact you by going to the Houston Public Works website and searching your account. It will tell you if the reading device on your meter is working. If it isn’t working, you will stay on set usage. If it is working, you could be in the first group to move to the new billing in August.
You can also call Customer Account Services to find out when your bill will be moved to actual usage by calling (713) 371-1400.