Show All Answers

1. I have a question concerning my water bill, turning my water on/off or a question about moving my water service to a new address.

Please call the Water Billing Department at (409) 983-8293.

2. I pay property taxes to the city every year. Why is water not included in this?

City of Port Arthur Water Utilities operates as an enterprise fund. This means we do not receive any tax dollar support and must operate on the revenue we generate from the water bills for water and sewer charges. The revenue generated is used to operate, maintain, expand and improve the potable water and sanitary sewer systems, as well as support other City services through the payment of franchise fees and indirect overhead payments.

3. How do I connect, transfer or disconnect my service?

If you do not currently have active service in your name with City of Port Arthur Water Utilities, we require the following documentation: 

• Picture ID (driver’s license), 
• Proof of the address you want to connect (lease or contract) 
• A copy of your social security card

Customers may come into the office* at 444 4th Street, or fill out the online application. You will be required to upload documentation when applying online. A non-refundable connection fee is due to connect water service. If applying in the office, the fee is due when you come in to request the service. If applying online, a representative from customer service will contact you (using the contact information you provide) with instructions on paying the connection fee prior to service connection. 

*Please be advised that COVID guidelines are being followed for entry and doing business with the City of Port Arthur. 

4. How soon can I get my water connected?

We can provide next business day service as long as you come in by 5 pm on that business day to connect new service or call for a transfer of service. It is required that someone be at that location when the water is turned on.

5. Why should I call to cancel my service if someone else is moving in when I am moving out?

We strongly suggest customers always call to give us a date they would like services terminated; failure to take the services out of your name will allow billing to continue. Customers are held responsible for all changes until the account is final billed.

6. Why do I see fire hydrants open and water running on the ground?

In addition to regular maintenance on the pipes, valves, hydrants and other components that make up the water distribution system, City of Port Arthur Water Utilities staff also performs regular flushing of the water distribution system in order to maintain water quality. Flushing the system cleans the water lines of sediment, clears out the water that has been sitting too long in the pipes due to infrequent use and ensures adequate water pressure in the system.

7. What is pretreatment?

The term 'pretreatment' means the treatment of wastewater by commercial and industrial facilities that removes harmful pollutants before being discharged into a sewer system under the control of a wastewater treatment plant.

8. What are the duties of a pretreatment inspector?

To protect our sewer collection system and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) from any industry, establishment, etc. that may be discharging harmful pollutants into it. Pretreatment regulates all establishments to ensure that permits along with federal and state laws are adhered to and periodic testing of their effluent into our collection system is performed.

9. What is a grease trap/grease interceptor?

A grease trap (or interceptor) is a plumbing device designed to physically separate grease and solids from kitchen wastewater before it is introduced into our sewer collection system.

10. What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?

Grease traps and grease interceptors are both plumbing devices for grease removal from industrial wastewater discharge streams. The grease trap is generally thought of as the smaller indoor device, usually with the holding capacity of no more than 250 gallons, and is typically installed below a sink. Grease traps are usually made of steel and often designed with just a single compartment. The grease interceptor is generally considered the large pre-cast concrete tank, typically with a liquid holding capacity of up to 5,000+ gallons and designed with two separate compartments. The sizing criteria is in accordance with the current Uniform Plumbing Code.

11. When is a grease trap/interceptor required?

A grease trap/interceptor is required for any commercial or food establishment that poses a direct or the potential danger of discharging any form of fats, oils or grease into our collection system.

12. How do I dispose of grease trap waste?

Grease trap waste must be transported to a properly permitted disposal site by a liquid waste hauler licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Trip ticket manifest documentation procedures must be followed in accordance with applicable regulations. These waste manifest records must be made available for up to the past three years in which the facility has been in business.

13. Who do I talk to about pretreatment?

Contact the Pretreatment division at (409) 983-8278.