About 15,000 accounts owe more than $500 and have at least 90 days without payments; collectively, the outstanding balances total around $30 million.
Houston will begin disconnecting water service starting on September 8, 2026 for accounts with prolonged delinquencies that have not resolved their status before the specified date.
The city identified approximately 15,000 accounts meeting the criteria established for this stage of collection. Collectively, those customers owe around $30 million for water and sewer services.
Houston Public Works is already sending notices to customers who could face service interruptions. Disconnections will not necessarily occur all at once on September 8, but that will be the date on which the city begins to apply the cuts.
The identified accounts owe more than $500 and have at least 90 days without payment
Houston is focusing this stage of disconnections on accounts that meet several factors:
- An outstanding balance greater than $500.
- At least 90 days of consecutive nonpayment.
- A remote reading device Sensus installed on the account.
The approximately 15,000 customers identified under these criteria owe around $30 million in overdue charges.
The city had paused disconnections for nonpayment for about two years while Houston Public Works corrected issues related to inaccurate billing and remote-reading equipment.
As part of the Water Bill Improvement Plan, Houston replaced more than 100,000 remote-reading devices that were not functioning properly. The municipal administration now maintains that the billing system allows resuming the collection of outstanding balances.
Customers can review their balance and request payment arrangements
Customers who receive a disconnection notice can contact Houston Public Works before the date to review their balance, clarify disputed charges, or inquire about payment options available for their account.
Utility Billing handles billing and payment inquiries at 713-371-1400, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Customers can also check balances, make payments, and manage their account on Houston’s official Water Billing portal.
The W.A.T.E.R. Fund offers up to $100 every six months to eligible customers
Houston maintains an assistance program for some customers who have difficulty paying their services.
The Water Aid to Elderly Residents Fund, or W.A.T.E.R. Fund, can provide up to $100 in assistance every six months to eligible individuals. The program primarily serves low-income elderly adults and also offers limited assistance to people with disabilities and other low-income clients who meet the criteria.
The fund is funded through voluntary donations and the availability of aid depends on applicant eligibility and available resources.
Unusually high bills may qualify for an adjustment
Customers who believe their balance includes an unusual charge may also request a review through Houston’s Universal Adjustment Request.
Among the options available are adjustments for inexplicably high consumption, exceptional circumstances, and repaired leaks.
For an unusually high bill, a single-family residential customer may request an adjustment when the unexplained consumption exceeds 200% of their usual average. The request must be submitted within six months after the corresponding bill.
Adjustments are not granted automatically. Houston Public Works reviews each request and determines whether the account meets the requirements established in the city’s ordinances.
The official form to request adjustments to the water bill allows you to start that process.
Disconnections will begin on September 8
Customers included in this collection phase with outstanding balances should review any notices received and contact Houston Public Works if they need to dispute a charge, seek assistance, or arrange a payment method.
Disconnections will begin on Tuesday, September 8. Houston has not indicated that the approximately 15,000 accounts will be suspended simultaneously on that day.
