City of Alvin Question and Answer Page

Water/Wastewater and Garbage Rates for 2019-2020

The City of Alvin continues to make improvements identified in the Comprehensive Plan, Utility Master Plan, and the corresponding Capital Improvement Program. The Utility Master Plan identified approximately $92M in utility projects to be completed over the next 20 years.  These improvements are necessary to replace aging infrastructure, improve efficiency, provide for future growth, and keep the City in compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.  

In May 2016, the City engaged Freese & Nichols Inc. to perform a water & wastewater rate study to develop a multi-year plan of rate increases that would provide sufficient revenue to implement the first 5 years of capital improvements identified in the Utility Master Plan.  The total projected cost for the first five years of water & wastewater projects is approximately $42M, and include:

• Construction of a 54” Eastside Interceptor from Bypass 35 to the WWTP.
• Lift Station Expansions/Rehabilitations
• Hwy 35 Bypass Gravity Main
• Waterline Improvements, and
• Ground Storage Tank Replacements

In February 2017, the City held a City Council workshop in which Freese and Nichols Inc. presented the results of a water and wastewater rate study.  The study identified the need to increase water & wastewater rates to implement the first five years of improvements identified in the Utility Master plan.  

On June 15, 2017, City Council approved Ordinance 17-J, adopting a 5-year schedule of water and wastewater rates, as recommended by Freese and Nichols Inc.   

October 1, 2019 (FY20) begins the 3RD of the 5-year water & wastewater rate schedule.    For FY20, a  residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water and wastewater in a month will see an approximate $12.40 increase in water and wastewater charges, taking the average monthly cost for the use of 5,000 gallons of water and wastewater from $61.86 to $74.27.

More information on the various improvements funded by water/wastewater revenue can be found in the 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan located at here.

The water and wastewater rates adopted through FY 21-22 are as follows:

*These rates can be amended at any time by City Council through the adoption of an ordinance. (updated 9/18/19)

Trash Collection

Will "extra bags" be collected if set out for pickup with my garbage containers?

Both CANS and BAGS will be collected on scheduled collection days.  If “extra bags” are set out with the containers and not picked up at the same time, please know that Waste Connections will be back around to collect them.  (updated 6/5/19)

Garage Sales

Is a permit required to hold a garage sale?

A permit is not required in order to hold a garage sale.  However, garage sale signs should be limited to the property hosting the sale.  Signs are not permitted in public right of ways or property.  

City of Alvin Police Department Separation Statistics

Click here to view information pertaining to the retention and separation statistics of police officers from 2010 to current. (10/31/17)

Looking for City Information? 

Click here for information on various ways to obtain City information. 

What is the cost per acre to outsource the mowing of City Parks? 

The following chart shows the parks within the City of Alvin that are mowed by outside contractors. 

City of Alvin Contract Mowing Cost per Park Acre:  $487.59/acre

The outside contractors also mow various properties of the City including, but not limited to; American Legion, Girl Scouts Building, Park and Ride, “Ugly Corner”, Lift Stations, Water Wells, Water Towers, Animal Shelter, Museum, Senior Center, Library, City Hall, Public Services Facility, etc.

To view the City of Alvin mowing contracts:  DeLeon & Son Inc.   LTS Lawn Care

Briscoe, National Oak Park, and Lions Park (totaling 57.5 acres) are maintained by the City of Alvin Parks Department. 9/8/16

Why is my water consumption usage high?

With the installation of the new water meters’, residents may see the impact of more accurate readings.  After a meter has been in place for many years it tends to slow down and not properly record water flowing through the meter.   Some of the meters within the City have been in place for many years and more than likely were not accurately measuring water consumption.  Now that the new meters have been installed they are now recording every gallon flowing through the meter.  Because of this, customers may see an increase in their monthly water consumption notated on their water bill.

Yes, sometimes an increase in water consumption gives indication that there may be a leak in one of the toilets within the home or business.  City staff may give suggestions as to what to check for.  Helpful information on what to look for can be found on the city’s website here.  

City staff has performed spot check re-reads to check the accuracy of the AMI water meters in place.  All re-reads came back accurate. 

If you have questions regarding your specific water bill, please contact the Utility Department at 281-388-4260. Updated 9/8/16