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1. How do I contact the City Council?

Visit the City Council page for email links or call the information hotline at (281) 290-1000. Mail may be sent to Tomball City Hall, 401 Market Street, Tomball, TX 77375.

2. How do I view City Council meeting agendas?

Click here to view Current and Recent City Council Agendas.

3. When does the City Council meet?

Regularly scheduled meetings for the Tomball City Council are listed here: Microsoft Word - Regularly Scheduled Meetings for Council and TAC - 2022 (tomballtx.gov). 

4. Where does the City Council meet?

Unless otherwise specified, the City Council meets for regular meetings at Tomball City Hall, 401 Market Street, Tomball, TX 77375.  

5. How can I request to speak at a City Council meeting?

Members of the general public are invited to speak at the beginning of each regular City Council meeting. A sign-up sheet will be posted at the entrance. 

To request to speak in favor of or opposing a specific item on the agenda, contact the City Secretary at dspeer@tomballtx.gov or (281) 290-1002.

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1. Is the City of Tomball in a drought?

Yes, the City of Tomball, like much of the area and state is currently experiencing a prolonged period of hot, dry conditions which has led to a drought. The City of Tomball’s drought condition is implemented based on the City’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, which is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

2. What are the drought stages?

Tomball’s drought stages are as follows:

Drought Stage	Drought Triggers	Watering Restrictions
Stage 1 Mild Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 60% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Voluntary
Stage 2 Moderate Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 70% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 3 Severe Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 80% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 4 Critical Drought Condition	Water consumption exceeds 90% of production capacity for three consecutive days	Mandatory
Stage 5 Emergency Water Condition	Water consumption exceeds 95% of production capacity for three consecutive days; System outages; Contamination of water supply	Mandatory

3. What is the current drought stage?

As of August 8, the City has entered a Stage 2: Moderate Drought Condition.

4. Are there watering restrictions in place?

Yes, the City of Tomball has implemented watering restrictions to conserve and manage our limited water resources effectively in accordance with the City’s adopted Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. These restrictions aim to reduce water usage and ensure that there is enough water available for essential needs and maintaining the health of our environment.

5. What are the current watering restrictions?

The watering restrictions for Stage 2 are as follows:

• Watering with irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Watering with a bucket or watering can is permitted at any time.
• All customers must adhere to the following watering schedule:
  1. Odd Addresses (address ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9): Wednesdays
  2. Even Addresses (address ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8): Thursdays
• Washing of vehicles (excluding commercial car washes) and filling swimming pools prohibited between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Use of water for fountains or ponds prohibited (excluding ponds that support aquatic life).

6. How do I know which days and times I can water my lawn?

If your address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), you may water on Wednesdays. If your address ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) you may water on Thursdays. Regardless of which is your assigned day, watering with irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., but residents may water with a bucket or watering can at any time. 

7. Are there any exemptions to the watering restrictions?

Certain exceptions may be granted if water is required for health and safety reasons or other conditions. If you believe you qualify for an exception, please contact our Public Works department to inquire about the process.

8. Can I still water my garden or plants using a bucket?

Yes, you can still hand-water your garden or plants using a bucket or watering can outside of the restricted hours. 

9. How can I maintain my lawn's health during the watering restrictions?

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office has a great tool for residents looking for guidance on lawn watering called the “Water My Yard” Program. Through this tool, residents can determine how much water their yard needs per week and receive weekly water recommendations. We encourage residents to use this free tool available through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at https://watermyyard.org/#/Location. 

In addition, to maintain your lawn's health, consider the following tips:

• Water deeply and infrequently, promoting deeper root growth.
• Adjust your lawnmower to a higher setting to provide shade for the soil.
• Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can increase water demand.

10. What happens if I violate the watering restrictions?

Any person who violates this Plan or the associated watering restrictions is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of up to $2,000. Each day that one or more of the provisions is violated shall constitute a separate offense. If a person is convicted of three or more distinct violations of these sections, the Mayor shall, upon due notice to the customer, be authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such violations occur. Services discontinued under such circumstances shall be restored only upon payment of a reconnection charge and any other costs incurred by the City in discontinuing service. In addition, suitable assurance must be given to the City that the same action shall not be repeated while the Drought Contingency Plan is in effect. Compliance with this Plan may also be sought through injunctive relief in the district court.

11. How long will the watering restrictions be in effect?

The duration of watering restrictions will depend on the severity of the drought and the availability of water resources. The City closely monitors water levels and weather patterns to determine when it's safe to lift or adjust the restrictions.

12. How can I stay informed about updates and changes to the watering restrictions?

We will provide updates through our official city website (tomballtx.gov), social media channels, and local news outlets. For additional questions or clarifications, please contact our Public Works Department at (281) 290-1450 or refer to our official website at https://tomballtx.gov/709/Drought-Status. Thank you for your cooperation in conserving water during this drought.

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1. What is natural gas?

Natural gas is a naturally occurring fuel extracted from within the earth, which is normally non-toxic, tasteless, colorless and odorless. It is not one gas but a mixture of various naturally occurring gases which vary between wells. Natural gas is primarily methane, but can also contain flammable gases such as propane, butane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Since natural gas is colorless and odorless in its natural state, it is mandatory by the Federal Government to use Marcaptan to make it readily detectable.

2. What is Mercaptan?

Natural gas in its natural state is colorless and odorless; therefore, Mercaptan is added to natural gas to make it easier to detect a leak. Mercaptan contains sulfur and is harmless, but does omit a pungent smell similar to rotten eggs. The type of Mercaptan used by the City of Tomball blends well with natural gas and, in a gaseous state, has many of the same properties of natural gas so it will rise and dissipate. Mercaptan is only used to ensure the safety of our customers and the community.

3. What should you do if there is a strong gas odor in the house?

Leave the house immediately! DO NOT make calls from your house. Phones are capable of producing a spark, which could start a fire or trigger an explosion. 

From a phone outside of your home, please contact: 

• City of Tomball (normal business hours) - (281) 290-1400 
• Tomball Police Department (Nights, weekends or holidays) - (281) 351-5451 

DO NOT light a match or other combustible material! DO NOT turn any switches on or off and DO NOT plug or unplug any electrical appliance! These activities can all produce a spark that could start a fire or trigger an explosion.

4. What are the properties of natural gas?

Natural gas is lighter than air. If natural gas escapes into the atmosphere, it dissipates rapidly whereas a heavier-than-air gas, such as propane or gasoline, would settle and accumulate near the ground. 

Natural gas is colorless. When mixed with the proper amount of air and ignited, invisible natural gas burns with a clean, blue flame. It is one of the cleanest burning fuels, producing primarily heat, carbon dioxide and water vapor. 

Natural gas is odorless. When taken from the ground, natural gas is odorless. A harmless but pungent odor is added as a safety precaution. The odorant is so powerful you can smell even the smallest quantity of gas in the event of a leak.

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1. Who provides emergency medical services in the City of Tomball?

Emergency medical services in Tomball are provided by Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 8, through Northwest Community Health. You can learn more about Northwest Community Health by visiting the Northwest Community Health website. 

2. Who do I contact for wheelchair van transportation?

Northwest Community Health offers community programs to assist in keeping Tomball healthy. Programs include: mobile healthcare operations, education and outreach, and mobility transportation. To learn more about these services, visit the Northwest Community Health website.

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1. What positions are available?

The City of Tomball accepts applications for only those open positions listed on the City’s website. All available positions are advertised.

2. How do I know if I qualify for a position?

The qualifications for each position are listed in the Minimum Qualifications section of the job posting. Some positions allow for a substitution of additional work experience instead of the education requirement or vice versa. You must meet all of the qualifications of the position for which you are applying.

3. Does the City of Tomball maintain an application or resume bank?

No, the City of Tomball does not maintain an application bank. However, applications are kept on file for one year. The hiring departments contact applicants for the positions as needed.

4. What happens after I submit my application?

After your application is submitted, it is entered into a tracking system and sorted by hiring department. The hiring supervisor reviews all applications and then selects qualified applicants for interviews. 

The application review process takes at least 2 to 3 weeks after the position has closed. Applications for positions listed as “until filled” are reviewed by the hiring department at their discretion. 

If you have been selected for an interview, the department will call you to schedule an interview. After interviews are conducted, a top candidate is identified. The HR Department conducts a background check. The hiring department contacts the top candidate to make a job offer.

5. Can I inquire about the status of my application?

Yes, you may call the Human Resources office at (281) 290-1018 or (281) 290-1001, and we can tell you what day your application was sent to the requested department and whether or not the position has been filled.

6. What is my effective date of insurance coverage should I become employed with the City of Tomball?

The effective date of insurance for regular, full-time employees is the first of the month following the date of hire.

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1. How do I contact a City of Tomball department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. Why is my water meter being replaced?

The City of Tomball is replacing all manual-read and aging residential and commercial water utility customers as part of a project to upgrade and modernize the City's water billing infrastructure. It is expected to take 12 months to replace all of the 4,800 meters throughout the City’s water utility system. The City is working with the company Aqua-Metric to replace meters and complete the project. 

2. How much will this new meter cost me?

Customers will not be charged for the new meter. The City of Tomball will incur all costs for the new meter, including the installation of the meter and any repairs needed to the meter area from damage caused by the installation. 

3. What is an AMI meter?

AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. These new AMI meters consist of a water meter with a low-powered communication device/radio that is continuously recording usage and the radio sends a meter reading to the City through a secure network every 6 to 12 hours.

4. How long will it take to complete the installation of a new meter?

In most cases, the installation of a new meter takes less than 30 minutes. However, crews may be in certain areas longer if they encounter any challenges. 

5. When will my meter be replaced?

The City is prioritizing the replacement of meters that require manual reads and neighborhoods with the most of those meters. As such, crews will work their way around Tomball addressing the high-priority areas first. You can keep track of upcoming neighborhoods on the project webpage. 

6. How do I know who is authorized to do the work?

City employees and our contractor, Aqua-Metric, will have identification and the proper safety gear on at all times. City crews will accompany the Aqua-Metric crews most of the time. If you are even unsure if someone is authorized to perform work, please contact Customer Service at (281) 290-1450.

7. Will I be notified before work begins?

Yes. All utility customers will be provided general information in their utility bill inserts. Additionally, signage will be placed in the work area as work crews begin to install new meters in that location and door hangers will be left a few days before work begins. 

Before starting the replacement process at a residence, a member of the installation team will give a courtesy knock on the front door. If a customer answers the door, the team member will explain the process and ask that the customer not use any water for approximately 30 minutes during the installation. If there is no response, and before beginning the installation the team will attempt to determine that water is not currently being used. If it is determined that water is currently in use, the team will proceed with work on another customer meter and return to re-attempt the installation.

8. Will I be notified if the installation was not completed in my neighborhood?

Yes. Work crews will place a door hanger at the residence to indicate the installation process has begun on replacing the water meters in the neighborhood but due to scheduling or the availability of supplies the installation process will require a return visit to your property to complete the new meter. This temporary pause in the installation process will not disrupt water service to the customer.

9. Will I be notified if the installation of my meter was not completed?

Yes. Work crews will place a door hanger at a residence if they are unable to access the meter location or need the resident’s assistance in other ways before the box and meter can be changed out. This may include the meter being behind a locked gate, unsecured dog or other obstructions that prevent crews from performing their work. 

10. Will I be notified after work is completed?

Yes. Work crews will place a door hanger at the residence once the new meter is set and it will provide instructions to follow on flushing your lines.

11. How long will I be without water?

In most cases, there will be an interruption of service for approximately 15 minutes during the change.

12. Do Aqua-Metric or City of Tomball employees need to come inside my house?

No, they do not need to enter your home. If the water meter is behind a fence, workers will need access to that part of the property. Aqua-Metric or City of Tomball employees will not have to enter homes at any time to perform work. 

13. Is there any special care or maintenance that I need to do to my new AMI meter?

No, your new meter does not require any maintenance by the customer. The City of Tomball will take care of all maintenance.

14. I still have questions, where can I get additional information?

Visit the project website at https://tomballtx.gov/857/Water-Meter-Replacement-Program or contact the Customer Service department at (281) 290-1450 or customerservice@tomballtx.gov.

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1. How do I know if I have a warrant?

You may contact the Tomball Municipal Court at (281) 351-7894 or the police department (281) 351-5451. You can view your violations through our website. Warrants cannot be paid online, but you can view your current and past violations. For more information on what to do if you have a warrant, visit the Warrants page. 

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1. Who do I call if I have questions about my City utility (water, sewer, gas and garbage) bill?

Please call the City of Tomball Utility billing at (281) 290-1400 or visit the Public Works office at 501 James St., Tomball, TX 77375.

2. Does the City of Tomball have a place to dispose of household hazardous waste?

No, the City of Tomball does not have a facility for disposal of household hazardous waste. Harris County offers a household hazardous waste disposal facility, with appointment-only drop-off scheduling. For more information, visit the Harris County Engineering Department HHW Facility website.

3. How do I report a streetlight that is out or never turns off?

The City of Tomball will report it to Centerpoint for you. Call the City of Tomball utility billing at (281) 290-1400. Please have the pole number, and/or the nearest address available.

4. How do I report a pothole?

Please call (281) 290-1400. Please provide your name, address and daytime telephone number.

5. When is my street swept?

Please call (281) 290-1400. Please provide your name, address and daytime telephone number and a representative will find your street sweeping day.

6. How do I report a raised sidewalk, curb, etc.?

Please call (281) 290-1400. Please provide the address, nearest cross street, your name and daytime telephone number.

7. How do I report a traffic signal problem/issue?

The City of Tomball does not repair/maintain traffic signals. The Texas Department of Transportation and Harris County Precinct 4 processes all repair requests on traffic signals. Please call (281)290-1400 and the City of Tomball will report the issue for you.

8. How do I request tree trimming/pruning, report a fallen tree or limb, or report a leaning tree?

Please call (281) 290-1400. You will need to provide the address, nearest cross street, your name and daytime telephone number. This service is only provided if the tree is not on private property.

9. There is a dead animal in the road, who do I call?

If the dead animal is on private property, it is the landowner’s responsibility. If the dead animal is on public property, call (281) 290-1400. When calling after regular business hours, please call the Tomball Police Department’s non-emergency number at (281) 351-5451 so that a call duty technician can be dispatched to your location.

10. Can I reserve a City Park for a party?

Yes. Please call (281) 290-1400. Scheduling of the park pavilions is done on a “first come, first served" basis. For more information about City Parks and facilities, please visit City of Tomball Parks & Recreation.

11. Does the City of Tomball provide fluoridated water?

Yes, the City does provide fluoridated water.

12. My water pressure is low/fluctuating. How do I get it checked?

Please call (281) 290-1400 for service. Please provide your name, address and daytime telephone number.

13. I need to have my water shut off to make repairs. Who do I call?

Please call (281) 290-1400. Please provide your name, address and daytime telephone number. When calling after regular business hours, please call the Tomball Police Department’s non-emergency number at (281) 351-5451 so that a call duty technician can be dispatched to your location.

14. If I have a Tomball address does that mean that I live within the city limits of Tomball?

No. If you pay a utility bill to the City of Tomball then you live within the city limits and are considered a City of Tomball resident. However, residents of Boudreaux Estates and Hoffman Estates are served by the City of Tomball public water system, but are not considered Tomball residents, because they are located outside the Tomball corporate city limits.

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1. How do I pay my bill?

Visit the "How to Pay Your Bill" page for a complete list of ways to pay your bill.

2. When is my bill due?

Bills are always due by 4 p.m. on the last business day of the month to avoid a late penalty.

3. Can I receive an electronic bill?

Yes! You can sign up for e-billing by submitting our Request for E-Billing form to our offices. 

4. Can I have my bill amount drafted automatically?

We offer bank drafts and credit card drafts. 

All draft arrangements must go through the online payment portal.

5. Does the City provide trash cans for residents?

Residents will receive a poly cart provided by the residential garbage provider, GFL, ONLY if they sign up for poly cart service. To request poly cart service, please contact the Utility Billing Department. 

6. Do residents really receive free trash bags?

Yes! The City of Tomball offers residents two rolls of trash bags each year in January. Additional rolls are $12.00 per roll. 

7. Does the City's solid waste provider collect green waste?

Yes, GFL collects green waste. Tree limbs must be bundled and must not exceed four (4) feet in length, four (4) feet in height, and four (4) feet in width. Tree limbs larger than four (4) inches in diameter will not be collected.

8. When is the City's annual recycling event?

The City of Tomball Recycling Day is held in April, on or close to Earth Day, every year. 

9. How do I reserve a City park?

Information about Park Reservations is available on our Parks & Recreation page.

10. How do I report a street light outage?

Street light outages must be reported to CenterPoint. You can report an outage on their website.