If your latest Houston water bill was shockingly high, you’re not alone.
To fund nearly $2 billion in upgrades to the city’s aging water system, Houston City Council approved a series of annual water rate increases back in 2021. These hikes, scheduled to roll out every April 1, are meant to spread the cost gradually over five years.
But some residents say their bills aren’t rising slowly — they’re skyrocketing in just a matter of months.
A steep climb in costs
KPRC 2 News Investigates Amy Davis recently broke down how much more Houstonians are paying. In 2021, a household using 10,000 gallons of water would pay around $112. This year, that same usage costs about $249.
That’s in part due to the city’s tiered rate system. Once you cross the 5,000-gallon-per-month threshold, you pay significantly more per gallon. The idea is to encourage conservation — use less, pay less — but not everyone is seeing predictable increases.
“My bill tripled in two months”
Dozens of concerned viewers have contacted KPRC 2, reporting sudden, unexplained spikes in their water bills — sometimes nearly doubling or tripling within one billing cycle.
“My bill usually runs about $55 or $56. Last month, it was a little over $100. This month, it’s about $171,” said Jeana, a Houston resident.
“In my area, there are a lot of elderly people. They can’t afford a $200 water bill.”
Hundreds report the same problem
After receiving multiple complaints, we put out a call on social media asking if others were experiencing the same issue. The response was overwhelming — more than 200 people replied, many saying their bills had spiked dramatically within weeks.
And it’s not just inside the city. Residents in Harris County are reporting similar problems.
Starting with the city
We took your concerns straight to the City of Houston.
Officials say they can’t give a one-size-fits-all explanation, because each case needs to be investigated individually. However, here are a few common causes they pointed to:
- Hidden leaks on your property
- Running toilets that waste hundreds of gallons
- Exceeding 5,000 gallons, which triggers higher per-gallon charges
- Billing mistakes
How you can get help
Here’s the good news: The city says it wants to help, and KPRC 2 is working directly with them to get you answers.
If your water bill has spiked unexpectedly, here’s what to do:
Send copies of your bills to our helpdesk.
Our team will compile your reports as KPRC 2 News Joy Addison works with the city and water department to investigate.
We’re hoping “2 Can Help” get you not just answers — but relief.