Houston to Resume Water Shutoffs for Customers With Unpaid Bills
HOUSTON, Texas — The City of Houston is preparing to resume water shutoffs for thousands of customers with long-overdue utility bills, ending a roughly two-year pause that was put in place after widespread concerns over faulty meters and billing errors.
Houston Public Works said nearly 15,000 customers could have their water service disconnected because they have not paid their bills for at least 90 days and owe more than $500.
According to the city, the affected accounts represent approximately $30 million in unpaid water bills.
Mayor John Whitmire said the move is intended to ensure that Houston’s water system remains financially sustainable while treating customers who pay their bills on time fairly.
“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,” Whitmire said in a statement.
What Pakistani residents in Houston should know
The announcement is particularly important for Houston’s Pakistani-American community, which includes homeowners, renters and small-business owners who rely on the city’s water utility system.
Pakistani residents who may have outstanding water bills should check their accounts carefully and make sure they understand whether their account falls under the city’s shutoff criteria.
This is especially important for households that may have experienced billing disputes, changes in residence or payment arrangements. Customers who believe their bill is incorrect should contact the city rather than waiting until a shutoff notice becomes an immediate concern.
For Pakistani-owned restaurants, grocery stores, salons, offices and other small businesses, an interruption in water service could also disrupt normal operations. Business owners with overdue accounts should review their balances and contact Houston Public Works about available payment options.
Payment plans and assistance available
The city said customers facing potential shutoffs will be provided with information about payment plans and available assistance programs.
Officials are also encouraging customers with questions about their bills, payment arrangements, financial assistance or disputed charges to contact the city’s utility customer service line.
Customers can call 713-371-1400 for assistance.
Why did Houston stop water shutoffs?
The city suspended water shutoffs approximately two years ago following problems involving faulty water meters and billing errors.
The mayor’s office now says those issues have been resolved, allowing the city to restart enforcement against customers with significantly overdue accounts.
For Houston residents, the return of water shutoffs means unpaid utility bills could once again lead to the loss of service.
Pakistani community members who receive a shutoff notice are advised to act quickly, review their account and contact the city to discuss payment arrangements or assistance before their water service is disconnected.
Pulse News will continue to monitor the city’s water billing policy and its impact on Houston residents, including the Pakistani-American community.
