Where to log in to pay your Houston water bill
The City of Houston's water utility is called Houston Water. You pay your bill through their customer portal at houstonwater.org. On the homepage, look for a link labeled "Pay My Bill" or "Customer Portal" — this takes you to the login page where you enter your account number and password.
If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one on the same portal. You will need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or can be found by calling Houston Water's customer service at 713-207-2700. The account number is usually a seven or eight-digit number printed near the top of your bill.
Once you log in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and usage details. The portal also shows your billing address and service address, which is useful if you need to verify that Houston Water has the correct property information.
Key Takeaways
- Log in at houstonwater.org using your account number and a password you create during first-time setup.
- You can pay your bill immediately after logging in, and the payment posts within one to two business days.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- Houston Water also accepts payments by phone at 713-207-2700 and by mail, if you prefer not to use the online portal.
Steps to log in and pay online
Start by going to houstonwater.org in your web browser. On the homepage, find and click the "Pay My Bill" button or link — it is usually near the top of the page. This opens the customer portal login screen.
Enter your account number in the first field. Your account number is printed on your water bill; it is not your name or address. If you have never logged in before, you will see an option to create a new account. Click that link and follow the prompts to set up a username and password. Make sure your password is something you can remember or store securely.
After you log in, the portal shows your account summary, including what you owe and when your next bill is due. Click the "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" button. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. Complete the payment, and you will see a confirmation number on screen.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you forget your password, click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Houston Water will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password.
If you do not remember your account number, call Houston Water customer service at 713-207-2700. They can look up your account using your service address or the phone number on file. Have your address ready when you call, as they will ask you to verify it before giving you your account number.
If you have trouble accessing the portal itself — for example, the website is not loading — try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem continues, contact Houston Water directly at 713-207-2700 or visit a payment center in person. Houston Water has several walk-in payment locations throughout Houston where you can pay by cash, check, or card without logging in online.
Payment methods and timing
Houston Water accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers through the online portal. If you pay by debit or credit card, a processing fee applies — the current fee varies and is shown before you confirm the payment. Bank account transfers (ACH) typically have no fee or a lower fee than card payments.
Payments made online usually post to your account within one to two business days. If your bill is due soon, pay at least two business days before the due date to avoid a late fee. Payments made after the due date will show as late, even if they post within the normal timeframe.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address on your bill, pay by phone at 713-207-2700, or visit a Houston Water payment center in person. Mailed checks take longer to process — allow at least one week for the payment to reach Houston Water and post to your account.
Setting up automatic payments
The Houston Water online portal allows you to set up automatic monthly payments so you do not have to log in each billing cycle. After you log in, look for an option called "Autopay," "Auto Pay," or "Recurring Payment." Click that option and choose the amount you want to pay each month and the date you want it to come out of your account.
Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account (ACH) on the date you choose. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back into the portal and updating your autopay settings. If your bill amount changes — for example, because of seasonal usage — you can adjust your automatic payment amount or switch to paying the full balance automatically each month.
Viewing your bill and usage online
Once you log in, the portal shows your current bill, past bills, and your water usage history. You can download PDF copies of your bills for your records. The usage section breaks down how much water you used each month, which helps you spot unusual spikes that might indicate a leak.
Your bill shows separate charges for water, wastewater, and stormwater. The portal explains what each charge covers. If you have questions about a specific charge, you can contact Houston Water customer service at 713-207-2700 or use the "Contact Us" link on the portal to send a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account to pay my Houston Water bill online?
Yes, you need to create an account on the Houston Water portal before you can pay online. You will need your account number, which is on your bill. Creating an account takes a few minutes and requires you to set a password.
What if I do not have an email address to reset my password?
Call Houston Water customer service at 713-207-2700. They can help you reset your password over the phone or update the email address on file so you can use the online reset feature in the future.
Can I pay my Houston Water bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the online portal accepts credit cards, but a processing fee applies. The fee is shown before you confirm the payment. Bank account transfers (ACH) usually have a lower fee or no fee.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If your bill is due soon, pay at least two business days early to make sure the payment is recorded before the due date.
Can I change or cancel automatic payments?
Yes, you can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging into the portal and updating your autopay settings. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.