7 Crucial Updates To The City Of Longview Water Bill You Must Know For 2025

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The City of Longview, Texas, utility bill is undergoing significant changes for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, marking the first rate increase for water and sewer services in five years. This vital update, approved by the Longview City Council, directly impacts every residential and commercial customer, making it crucial to understand the new rate structure, updated fees, and the most efficient ways to manage your account.

As of today, December 25, 2025, residents need to be aware of the approved budget changes that affect not only the cost of water consumption but also administrative fees for new accounts and reconnections. This deep dive provides the most current, essential information on payment methods, new fee structures, and little-known policies that could significantly increase your monthly or annual utility expenses.

The 2025 Longview, TX Water and Sewer Rate Increase Breakdown

The Longview City Council approved a budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year that includes necessary increases to both water and sewer rates. This adjustment is primarily driven by rising labor costs and the city's commitment to maintaining and upgrading the vital water and wastewater infrastructure.

This is the first time in five years that the City of Longview has increased its water and sewer rates, underscoring a significant shift in utility costs for residents. While the exact final rate schedule is complex and depends on meter size and usage tiers, the increase affects all customer classes, including residential and commercial users.

Key Financial Changes and New Account Fees

Beyond the consumption rates, the City of Longview has updated several administrative fees associated with utility accounts. These fees are nonrefundable and are important to note when setting up or managing your service:

  • Activation Fee: A nonrefundable fee of $50.00 is charged for connecting to an existing water service.
  • Transfer Fee: A fee of $50.00 is charged when transferring service.
  • Inspection Turn On Fee: A fee of $50.00 is charged for an inspection turn-on.
  • Reconnection Fee: A nonrefundable fee is charged to any customer reconnecting to the water system after the account has been deactivated for non-payment. This fee is crucial to avoid, as it adds a substantial charge to your past-due balance.
  • Late Payment Charges: While Texas state law mandates that a late payment penalty period cannot begin until at least the 21st day after the municipal utility has mailed the bill, the City of Longview may impose a late charge of either $5.00 or 10% of the bill, depending on the specific utility and ordinance.

Commercial customers should also note that basic commercial sanitation rates are proposed to increase by approximately 5.5% to help cover operational costs.

Mastering Your Longview Utility Payments: The Utility Access Portal

The City of Longview Utility Billing Services offers multiple convenient ways to pay your water, sewer, and sanitation bill. The most recommended and efficient method is through the modern online system.

1. Online Payment via Utility Access Portal

The City of Longview's Utility Access portal is the primary online platform for managing and paying your utility bill. Unlike many other utility providers, the City of Longview offers two easy ways to pay online with no extra charge or convenience fee for either method.

  • Register and Pay: You can create a profile to manage your account, view billing history, and set up recurring payments.
  • Quick Pay: If you only need to make a one-time payment, the Quick Pay option allows you to pay your bill without needing to log in. You will only need your account number.

The Utility Access portal streamlines the payment process, ensuring your payment is posted quickly and accurately, which is essential for avoiding late fees or service interruptions.

2. Other Convenient Payment Methods

For those who prefer traditional methods, the City of Longview also accepts payments through:

  • Automated Phone System: You can call 903-237-1030 to make a payment using the automated phone system.
  • Mail: Payments can be mailed using your return envelope and payment stub to the Utility Billing Services address.
  • In-Person: Payments can be made in person at City Hall, located at 300 W. Cotton St., Longview, TX 75601.

The Hidden Cost of Winter Leaks: Understanding Your Sewer Charge

One of the most common sources of customer confusion and unexpectedly high bills is the calculation of the monthly sewer charge. This is a critical piece of information for all Longview residents to master, as it directly relates to your household water usage during a specific period.

The "Winter Averaging" Sewer Policy

The City of Longview calculates your residential sewer (wastewater) charge based on an annual average of your household's water consumption during the three "winter" months:

  • Measurement Period: November, December, and January.
  • Calculation: Your average water use during these three months is used to set your fixed monthly sewer charge for the following year (starting in March).

The Critical Takeaway: Because water used outdoors for irrigation or pools is typically minimal during these winter months, the consumption is considered a true reflection of indoor, wastewater-generating use. If you experience a significant water leak (e.g., a running toilet, a broken pipe) during November, December, or January, that high usage will be factored into your sewer charge for the next 12 months, resulting in a much higher bill throughout the year.

It is absolutely essential to report and fix any water leaks immediately during this winter averaging period to prevent a costly annual sewer rate penalty. You should report any leaks experienced during these months directly to the Utility Billing Services or the After Hours Water and Sewer Emergency Hotline.

Utility Assistance and Emergency Contacts

For residents facing financial hardship, several local and regional programs offer utility assistance to help manage or pay the City of Longview water bill. These programs are run by dedicated community partners.

Longview Utility Assistance Programs (LSI Keywords)

  • Longview Community Ministries (LCM): This organization offers utility assistance through its Family Service Center. You can contact them directly for program details and eligibility requirements.
  • Greater East Texas Community Action Partnership (GETCAP): GETCAP often provides energy and utility assistance resources to residents in the Longview/Gregg County area.
  • Community Outreach Mission: This mission provides various forms of assistance, including rent and utility assistance, and operates a food pantry.
  • Greater Longview United Way: The United Way is a good starting point to find the most current list of local agencies offering utility bill help.

Emergency and Customer Service Contacts (Entities)

For immediate issues related to your water service, it is important to contact the correct department:

  • Utility Billing Services (General Inquiries): 903-237-1030
  • After Hours Water and Sewer Emergency Hotline: Use this number for water line breaks, sewer backups, or other urgent issues outside of regular business hours.
  • Water Quality Concerns: The City of Longview Utility Department conducts a flushing program to remove sediment that can cause discolored water. While this water is typically safe to drink, you can report taste, color, or odor challenges to the city.

By staying informed about the 2025 rate changes, utilizing the convenient Utility Access portal, and understanding the critical winter averaging policy for sewer charges, Longview residents can effectively manage their utility costs and avoid unnecessary fees.

7 Crucial Updates to the City of Longview Water Bill You Must Know for 2025
city of longview water bill
city of longview water bill

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