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Utility Billing

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1. What if I think my usage is too high?

The most likely cause of a high bill is a water leak. The first course of action you should take is to examine your plumbing and fixtures to ensure the abnormal consumption is not caused by a water leak. Leaking faucets, toilets, shower heads, or other water using devices may waste water and your money. A running toilet can waste as much as 5,000 gallons a day and a dripping faucet can waste as much as 96 gallons a day!

Next, you can contact the Utility Billing Office at 903-654-4825 during normal business hours. We can have one of our field technicians come out and re-check your meter. The city will provide one free meter re-check each calendar year; additional meter re-checks are $10. Keep in mind that you are responsible to pay the amount due as billed. A credit will be posted to the account in the event there is a meter problem.

2. How is my meter read?

Water meters throughout the City of Corsicana utility system are read electronically. Each water meter is equipped with an electronic register, which relays the reading from a transmitter box to a mobile meter reading vehicle equipped with a receiver. This system significantly reduces meter reading time and meter mis-reads. Occasionally, your meter may be read manually by a meter technician due to rain, debris, and other factors that can impede the radio signal.

3. Do I need to be present when you connect my meter?

It is always best to be at home when our technician arrives to connect your meter. However, if you cannot be home, please ensure that all water related devices (i.e. faucets, appliances, washer connections, etc.) are completely turned to the off position. A service technician will not leave a meter on if water continues to flow into the property and no one is available at the property. The city is not responsible for property damage resulting from open faucets or water system leaks. A door tag will be hung from your door advising why service could not be established in the event the meter cannot be left on.

4. What happens if the field technician indicates there is no leak?

As our meter technicians are not licensed plumbers, you should have your plumbing examined by a professional, licensed plumber. Our meter technicians basically perform a visual inspection of your meter to ensure it was read correctly and the meter appears to be working properly. They will indicate if they think there could be a leak, but it is always best to obtain the opinion of a licensed, professional plumber.

We can arrange to have your meter tested for accuracy but keep in mind that you are responsible for the amount due as billed. This process can take 30-90 days depending on the maintenance department workload. There will be a service charge ($15 for a general test, $30 for certified meter calibration) assessed to your utility account if the meter test indicates the meter is reading accurately.

5. How do I open / close / transfer my utility service?

This information can be found on the open / close / transfer service page.

6. What is the deposit and connection fee?

Please review the Utilities- Water and Wastewater section of the Chapter 13 Fees and Cost of Services schedule for the applicable deposit and fees.

7. When will the deposit be refunded?

The deposit will be maintained in a liability account and will be returned to you when you close your service. The deposit will be applied towards the balance on the account, including the final bill for service. Any remaining amount of your deposit will be returned to you after your account has been completely closed. Checks will be generated at the end of each month. It is important to contact the Utility Billing Office at 903-654-4825 before you move. We will need a forwarding address to send the remaining deposit or a final bill.

8. Can I pay the deposit out over a period of time? Are there any exceptions to the deposit requirement?

No, the deposit and connection fee are due when service is established. There are no exceptions to this policy.

9. How do you calculate the water and sewer charge on my bill?

Your water and sewer charge consists of a monthly base charge and a volumetric rate per 1,000 gallons. Please review the Utilities- Water and Wastewater section of the Chapter 13 Fees and Cost of Services schedule for the applicable deposit and fees.

The water base charge varies depending on the size of your meter. Most residential users have a 5/8” or 3/4” meter.

10. Who do I contact to report water or sewer service issues or emergencies?

For water or sewer related issues and to report water leaks, please contact the Service Center at 903-654-4893, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, weekends, and city holidays, please call 903-654-4902. You may also report a sewer backup or water leak online.

11. What is the garbage and recycling pickup schedule?

Please review the Pickup Schedule and Route Map. Garbage and recycling is picked up by different trucks at different times on your scheduled pickup day. For service related questions or concerns, please contact Allied Waste at 903-874-8717. For billing related questions or concerns, you may e-mail the Utility Billing Office, or call 903-654-4825.

12. What is the supplementary fee?

The $3.50 monthly supplementary fee is for pickup and disposal of up to 5 cubic yards of brush. City ordinance has mandated this charge for all customers inside the city limits. There is an additional charge of $16 per cubic yard for pickups in excess of 5 cubic yards. Limbs greater than 8 inches in diameter, will be assessed an additional surcharge of $200. Brush overage will be included on the water bill.

For more information, please visit the Brush Pick-Up page.

13. When are utility payments due?

If your account number begins with 001-014, 026, 030, 031, 032, 033, and 035 you are billed around the 20th of the month, following the close of your billing period, and the bill will be due around the 10th of the following month.

If your account number begins with 015-025, 027-029, 034, and 040, you are billed around the 30th of the month, following the close of your billing period, and the bill will be due around the 20th of the following month.

Past due balances are subject to a 10% late penalty. Bills not paid by 5 p.m. the business day before the disconnect date, indicated on the bill, are subject to service interruption and additional charges.

Note: Billing and due dates may fluctuate occasionally. Please pay close attention to the dates on your bill.

14. How do I make a utility payment?

This information can be found on the Bill Payment Options page.

15. Is there a discounted rate available?

There is a discounted rate available for senior citizens age 65 and older, which requires a form to be completed ANNUALLY in the Utility Billing office OR you may print this form (see the link below) and bring it to our office. One of the customer service representatives will need to verify age with a valid driver’s license or ID card. This discounted rate only applies to senior citizens with a 3/4" meter and is only available on the primary residential account. Annual Senior Citizen Discount Request Form