Small Meter

Small domestic water meters are any size meter that is 2” and smaller that may service a permanent structure that can be for residential, multi-family, commercial, or government use. Please see the instructions on how to apply for a Domestic meter.

Small Irrigation Meters

Small irrigation water meters that are 2” and smaller and used for plant or landscape irrigation purposes only. They may be used as an additional meter on a property with a Domestic meter, or to irrigate vacant lands such as land along the right-of-way, esplanades, parks, and private property. Please see the instructions on how to apply for an Irrigation meter.

Ultrasonic Fire-rated meters

Ultrasonic meters are small water meters that are 2” and smaller that are used when there is a fire suppression system required for your development.

After Approval

When Taps & Meters approves your application you will be given a Water New Service (WNS) number. The WNS number will be your identifier for your permit for any future updates.

After Taps & Meters approves your small water meter application it is completed by the Customer Account Services (CAS) New Service group. CAS New Service is responsible for issuing the invoice for your small water meter permit and setting up new water accounts. If any water or drainage accounts associated with your site are not in good standing, you will not be able to purchase your permit until the account issues are resolved. If you have a billing issue and Customer Account Service at HPC has given you instruction to call the CAS Call Center, you can reach them at 713-371-1400. If you have a billing issue the CAS Call Center is your point of contact to update existing accounts. We are unable to update existing accounts at the Houston Permitting Center.

If you have questions about your permit invoice or work order status, please email CAS New Service at [email protected] . Provide your service address and WNS number.

Once you pay your invoice the plumber of your choice will receive a permit work order from Customer Account Services within 10-15 business days, communicating that the inspection can be set up with the Inspections group and your plumber.

  1. The property must have direct access to City of Houston water mains. Property that does not have direct access to water mains require prior approval from the Infrastructure Support Group.
  2. The water main must be at least 4” in size and less than 20”. Property with direct access to water mains 20” and larger require prior approval
  3. The tap must be the same size as the water meter excluding the 5/8” meter which has a 3/4” tap.
  4. Impact fees, if required, must be paid before the water meter can be set up. Projects with conditional WCR letters, House for House and/or qualifying impact fee exemption residential development are exempt from impact fee payment prior to water meter set up.
  5. A contractor from the City of Houston Taps and Meters Approved Contractors List shall be selected to install the meter. The City does not install water meters nor does it pay for the installation. The list is updated on the first of each month.