Where to log in and what you need
The City of Houston's online bill pay system is called MyHouston, and you access it at the city's main website. You will need your water account number (found on your printed bill) and either an email address or phone number to set up a login.
If you do not have a MyHouston account yet, you create one before you can pay. The setup takes about five minutes. The city does not charge a fee to use the online portal itself, though your bank may charge a fee if you pay by electronic check or credit card — that depends on your bank, not the city.
You can also pay by phone by calling the Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700, or by mail using the payment coupon on your bill. The online method is fastest because the payment posts the same day in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- You log in through MyHouston using your water account number and an email address or phone number you provide during setup.
- The city's online portal itself is free, but your bank may charge a fee for electronic check or credit card payments.
- Payments made online typically post to your account the same business day.
- If you cannot access MyHouston or forget your login, the Houston Water Department phone line can help you reset your password or process a payment over the phone.
- You can set up automatic recurring payments through MyHouston so you do not have to log in each month.
Step-by-step: logging in for the first time
Go to the City of Houston website and look for the MyHouston login link, usually found in the upper right corner or under a "Pay My Bill" section. Click "Create Account" or "New User" rather than "Sign In."
Enter your water account number. You can find this on your bill — it is usually a nine or ten-digit number near the top. The city will ask you to verify your service address to confirm you own or manage the account.
Create a username and password, then choose whether you want to receive notifications by email or text. Provide a valid email address or phone number. The city will send you a verification code; enter it to confirm your contact information. Once verified, your account is active and you can log in immediately.
How to make a one-time payment
After you log in, look for a "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button on your dashboard. The system will show your current balance and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or more than you owe.
Select your payment method: bank account (checking or savings), debit card, or credit card. If you choose a bank account, the city will ask for your routing number and account number. Debit and credit card payments require your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Review the payment details, including any fees your bank or card issuer may charge. Confirm the payment. You will see a confirmation number on screen and receive a receipt by email. The payment typically posts within one business day, though weekend or holiday payments may take longer.
Setting up automatic payments so you do not have to log in each month
MyHouston allows you to schedule recurring payments on a date you choose each month. This is useful if your bill amount stays roughly the same or if you want to pay a fixed amount toward your balance automatically.
Log in and find the "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment" option. Select the payment method (bank account or card), enter the amount, and choose the date each month when you want the payment to come out. You can change or cancel the recurring payment at any time by logging back in.
If your bill varies month to month, set the recurring amount to slightly less than your average bill so you do not overpay. You can always log in and make an additional one-time payment if your bill is higher than usual.
What to do if you forget your password or cannot log in
On the MyHouston login page, click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username." The system will ask you to enter your account number and the email address or phone number you used when you created your account. The city will send you a reset link or code.
If you do not receive the reset email or text within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the reset link does not work or you cannot remember the email address you used, call the Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700. A representative can verify your identity using your account number and service address, then reset your password or process your payment over the phone.
Payment methods and fees
The City of Houston accepts bank account payments (ACH transfers), debit cards, and credit cards through MyHouston. The city itself does not charge a fee for any of these methods. However, your bank or card issuer may charge a fee — this varies by financial institution.
Bank account payments are usually the cheapest option because most banks do not charge a fee for ACH transfers. Credit card companies often charge a percentage fee (typically 2 to 3 percent) for bill payments, so paying a $100 bill with a credit card might cost you $2 to $3 extra. Debit cards usually have no fee, similar to bank accounts.
If you want to avoid online fees entirely, you can pay by mail using the coupon on your bill, or pay in person at a Houston Water Department office. Mail payments take longer to post — typically 5 to 7 business days — so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
What happens if your payment does not post or you see an error
If you received a confirmation number but your payment does not appear on your account within two business days, log back into MyHouston and check your payment history. The system shows the status of every payment you have made.
If the payment shows as "pending" or "processing," wait one more business day. If it shows as "failed" or "declined," the reason will usually be listed — common reasons include insufficient funds, an incorrect bank routing number, or a card that expired. You will need to make the payment again using a different method or corrected information.
If your payment shows as successful in MyHouston but your bill still shows as unpaid, or if you see a charge on your bank statement that you did not authorize, call the Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700. Have your confirmation number ready. A representative can look up the payment and correct any errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's Houston water bill through MyHouston?
No. MyHouston requires you to log in with the account number and contact information for the account you are paying. If you want to pay someone else's bill, you can call the Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700 and ask about third-party payment options, or the account holder can set up a payment themselves and give you the confirmation number.
Is MyHouston the same as the city's other online portals?
MyHouston is the city's main portal for bill pay and account management. Some city services use separate portals, but water bill payments go through MyHouston. If you have other city services (trash, drainage), they may be bundled on the same bill and paid through the same login.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Log into MyHouston and look for a "Contact Us" or "File a Dispute" option, or call the Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700. Have your account number and bill ready. The city will investigate and contact you within a set timeframe. Do not refuse to pay the full bill while disputing — instead, pay what you agree you owe and note the disputed amount when you contact them.
Can I see my payment history in MyHouston?
Yes. After you log in, your dashboard shows recent payments and your account balance. You can usually view the last 12 months of payment history. If you need older records, the Houston Water Department can provide them by phone or mail.
What if I move and want to transfer my account?
Contact the Houston Water Department to close your current account and open a new one at your new address. You can do this by phone at 713-207-2700 or through MyHouston if the portal offers an account transfer option. Your old MyHouston login will no longer work once the account is closed, and you will need to create a new login for the new account.