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1. What is a winter average and how is it determined?

A winter average is established in January and February of each year. Water usage is averaged between the February and March billing periods. That number is used as your average household water usage for wastewater volume charges from the April bill until the following March bill, regardless of the amount of water used. Residential customers have a set charge for wastewater each month. That way, if you use water for your yard, to fill a pool, if you have a leak, or for whatever reason during the year, you’ll have to pay for the water, but won’t pay extra for the wastewater.

2. What is a wastewater cap and how is it determined?

Commercial users will be charged wastewater based on 100% of water usage.

For residential customers, wastewater volume charges for April through the following March are based on the lesser of (1) average monthly water usage as billed in the most recent February and March months; -or- (2) Twelve thousand gallons.

For new residential customers that have not yet established a water usage history (February/March), wastewater volume charges for April through the following March are based on the citywide average monthly usage, currently 6,480 gallons.

3. I’m going out of town. Is it possible to pay extra on my account?

Yes, the payment will be applied to your account and remain there as credit until the new bill is mailed.

4. Is there a fee if I pay with a credit card?

Paying with a credit card will not incur additional fees at this time.

5. Where are the payment drop boxes located?

There are several payment drop boxes located throughout the city. Please visit our payment page for specific locations.

6. How can I pay my bill?

We offer several options to pay your bill. Please visit our payment page for more information.

7. I filled my pool. Does the city adjust my bill?

Because you are protected by the wastewater cap, the city does not make an adjustment on your water bill because you filled your pool. If there is a sudden jump in your water usage, the city checks your meter for leaks.

8. How can I get financial help to pay my bill?

The City has a Utility Assistance Program that is distributed through Fort Bend Social Services. To learn more about possible assistance, email socialservicesinbox@fortbendcounty.gov or you can call 281-403-8050 or 281-238-3502.

9. Why is there a surface water charge on my bill?

A surface water treatment plant was built to meet the Fort Bend Subsidence District’s 2013 mandate of 30% reduction of groundwater use.

10. Is there a way to check your payment history in the online system? How far back does it go?

Yes, there is a payment history option when you are logged in to your online account. It will show the history of payments that have been made through the online portal. We are working to see if we can add the payments made through other payment options to the history in the future. 

11. For the auto-payment, can it be done the day of instead of the week before it's due?

No, our current process is to submit bank draft on a weekly basis which is the Friday before the due date.

12. Is there a payment option for bank draft vs only online bill pay where a check is cut and mailed?

Yes, we do offer bank draft from a checking account. Download the Automatic Payment Plan (APP) Application and follow instructions to submit.