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Heads up, Katy residents! Your water may look different for the next couple of days.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs said Thursday that it launched Texas Utility Help to help eligible low-income Texas homeowners and renters pay their utility bills.

Officials from the city of Houston recently informed four residents who live along Radford Drive in Meadows Place that they will no longer provide trash and recycling services for them after an audit determined their homes are not within the city limits.

At a time when it seems like just about everything is more expensive, we want to warn you about potential sticker shock when it comes to your bills. You’ll probably be paying more for several of your utility bills this winter. Our KPRC 2 Investigates team is here with what you need to know to prepare.

HOUSTON – A higher concentration of normal disinfectants in Houston’s water system is causing an odor that has some people concerned, according to officials. According to Houston Public Works, a blend of chlorine and ammonia, called chloramine, are used to clean surface water. Where these two water sources carrying these disinfectants combine is causing the stink. RELATED READ: Complaints of strange-smelling water across Houston area after boil water notice lifted“This is a harmless odor that we try to avoid in our water system, but right now Houston Water is disinfecting the drinking water at higher concentrations in response to last week’s water emergency,” Carol Haddock, director of Houston Public Works. AdOfficials said the disinfectants are being reduced to normal concentrations, which should reduce the smell in two to three days.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is administering the Texas Rent Relief Program and doling out $1.3 billion. Landlords and tenants can apply for the money to recoup unpaid rent and utility bills as far back as March 13, 2020 and up to three months in advance. AdDon’t wait until Monday to check out Texas Rent Relief. Tenants and landlords can apply separately, but Dana Karni of Lone Star Legal Aid says both parties will get help sooner if they cooperate with one another. You can call the Texas Rent Relief Program Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to get answers to your questions.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – Sugar Land residents may want to add “reduce utility usage” to their new year’s resolutions as the city council has announced rate increases are coming. According to the Sugar Land government, utility rate increases approved by the city council in September will be effective January 1, 2021. The average bill will increase by about $10 per month. Customers with 5,000 gallons of water usage and a 3,000-gallon winter average will see their bill increase from $65.42 to $71.69. According to the Sugar Land government, residents can expect to see the rate changes on bills issued after Jan. 1.

HOUSTON – If you or someone you know is behind on rent and struggling to keep a roof over their family’s heads, let them know about RaiseUp Families. The Houston non-profit organization is looking for more clients to offer a hand up through a 9-month program. If your family is chosen, you will receive help with rent, utilities, transportation and childcare while going through budgeting workshops and counseling. 102 or Rose at 713-973-8083, ext 103 to make an appointment to discuss whether or not the program is a good fit. How you can helpRaise Up Families is holding a virtual event online Wednesday, Oct. 21st from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a silent and live auction you can participate in online.

On Oct. 1, Texans who were previously protected by a state program blocking utility disconnections during the coronavirus pandemic, could again be at risk of having their lights shut off because they cant pay their bills. Advocates and users criticized the program for being difficult to register for and being advantageous to utility providers, rather than consumers. Customers will only be required to pay what hasnt already been offset by discounts given to energy providers as a result of the program. Texans receiving unemployment relief are also eligible to register for the program until then. In total, about 3.3 million Texans have applied for unemployment relief benefits since mid-March.