Approximately 15,000 customers fall into this category, collectively owing the City about $30 million. Disconnections will begin September 8.
For the past two years, my administration has given customers significant leeway and held off on water shutoffs following the inaccurate water bills experienced in 2024.
This was another significant issue I inherited, and we have spent the past two years fixing it. We have replaced faulty meters, corrected billing problems, and worked to restore confidence that customers are being billed accurately. Today, we have confidence in the accuracy of our billing, and we have a responsibility to collect payment for services that have been provided. We cannot continue to carry unpaid balances indefinitely.
This effort is about maintaining a fair and sustainable utility system and, just as importantly, being fair to the Houstonians who pay their bills on time. Customers who are delinquent will receive clear notice and an opportunity to address their past-due balances before service is disconnected.
We will work with delinquent customers by providing payment plans and information about available assistance and funding options. Our goal is to give customers every reasonable opportunity to resolve their balances before their water is shut off.
Customers with questions about their account, payment arrangements, available assistance, or disputes should call 713-371-1400.”
