FAQs • Fate, TX • CivicEngage

What causes taste and odor change in the water?: A natural occurrence in all surface water supplies called an "algal bloom", is responsible for the taste and odor changes in the water supply. Algal blooms usually occur in late July and into August each year.
*Note. Algal blooms can occur during winter months also.

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Water & Utilities

1. How do I start new water, sewer and trash service?

To establish new water, sewer and sanitation service: **Please note, request for new service and deposit received after 3:00 pm will result in connection on the following workday.

Option 1 Please come by the City Hall and bring the following: A valid picture ID (Driver’s License) A copy of your signed lease or Closing Disclosure A deposit payable by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card (Master Card, Discover, or VISA). Out of state checks and Driver’s Licenses are accepted. You will also need to fill out a Residential Water Service Application.

Option 2 You may download the Residential Water Service Application, fill it out and return it by mail, by fax, or by email: Utility Billing P.O. Box 159 Fate, TX 75132 Fax: 972-722-8266 Please note, you will need to include a copy of your Driver’s License with your mailed, emailed or faxed application. We will need proof of ownership or for customers who are renting or leasing a home, we must receive a copy of your rental/lease agreement, as well. Your deposit must be received by the Utility Billing department before a service will be established. We do not accept deposits online or over the phone.

2. Who do I contact regarding trash service?: This service is provided by Waste Connections and is billed through your water bill at the rate of $17.71 per month for one 96-gallon trash cart and one 96-gallon recycle cart, $10.83 for an extra trash cart and $2.17 for additional recycle cart for residential service. You must use the Waste Connective provided 96-gallon poly-cart. If you do not have a poly-cart at the address you are setting up service for, please let us know and arrangements will be made to have one delivered to you. You are allowed one bulky item per week in addition to your cart(s). Commercial accounts should contact Waste Connections directly at 903-450-8282. This service is provided to inside city limit residential/commercial accounts only.

3. What are my payment options?: Payments may be made the following ways:
- Online—you will need your account number and last payment made
- In person at the Utility Department at the City Hall located at 1900 C D Boren Pkwy, Fate, TX 75087.
- Dropped in the night drop located in front of the City Hall entrance doors; please-No Cash
- Bank/Credit Card drafts can be setup as recurring payments by completing and submitting the Automatic Debit Authorization Form.
- Debit/credit card payments can be made in person
- Check, money order or cashier's check payments may be mailed to P.O. Box 159, Fate, TX 75132.

4. How is my sewer fee calculated?: Sewer rates are based upon "winter averaging" which means water usage in the months of December, January and February will determine your sewer rate. Rates are adjusted annually. New accounts will be charged the city wide average until the next winter averaging cycle.

5. When are water bills due?: Water bills are mailed anytime by the 20th of the month. Payments are due by the 15th day of the month.

6. Why do I have a penalty fee?: The due date is the 15th day of the month. If payment is not received by the due date shown on the bill, a penalty fee of 10% of balance owed will be automatically assessed on the 16th day of the month.

7. When is the disconnection date?: Disconnect date is the 25th of each month. If service is disconnected the customer is assessed a $50 Service Charge. If a deposit is not on file a deposit will be assessed to the account.

8. Where do we pay our property/school taxes?: Please pay those taxes to the Rockwall County Tax Assessor/Collector, phone number 972-204-6130.

9. What causes taste and odor change in the water?: A natural occurrence in all surface water supplies called an "algal bloom", is responsible for the taste and odor changes in the water supply. Algal blooms usually occur in late July and into August each year.
*Note. Algal blooms can occur during winter months also.

10. Is the water safe to drink?: Yes. The taste and odor is a palatability issue. There are no health hazards created regardless of the taste and odor caused by the algal bloom.