Setting Up Utilities in Harlingen, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Harlingen, Texas.
Harlingen Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Harlingen requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home or business fully operational. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service, including water, sewage, garbage collection, electricity, internet, and gas. You’ll find information on which companies serve the Harlingen area, what documents you’ll need, and how to contact each provider to start or transfer service.
Water service in Harlingen
Harlingen Waterworks System (HWWS) provides water service to approximately 27,000 customers in Harlingen and the surrounding Towns of Combes, Primera, and Palm Valley. HWWS operates independently from the city government. Some areas north and east of city limits are served by East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation, while Military Highway Water Supply Corporation serves areas south along FM509. Contact HWWS at 956-430-6100 or visit hwws.com for service inquiries.
Harlingen Waterworks System (HWWS)
Phone: 956-430-6100
Website: https://www.hwws.com/
Office: 134 East Van Buren Avenue, Harlingen, TX 78550 (main office); 121 East Harrison Avenue (drive-thru/payment kiosk available 24/7)
Sewage Service
Wastewater and sewer services in Harlingen are provided by Harlingen Waterworks System, serving approximately 19,000 sewer accounts. Sewer service is bundled with water service, meaning both utilities are billed together on a single account. When you establish water service with HWWS, sewer service is automatically included.
Garbage & Recycling
The City of Harlingen Public Works Sanitation Division handles residential garbage collection twice weekly. The city is divided into East and West routes, with bins required curbside by 7:00 AM on collection days. Brush collection occurs every 4-5 weeks. No collection on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day. Harlingen does not offer curbside recycling but operates free drop-off locations at 1006 South Commerce and 3900 East Harrison for cardboard, paper, aluminum, and plastics #1 and #2. Contact Sanitation at 956-216-5300.
New service can be established online at hwws.com/customer-services/apply-for-new-service/ or in person at 134 East Van Buren Avenue. You'll need a valid photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of residence such as a lease or closing documents. Service typically starts within 2-3 business days.
The main office at 134 East Van Buren Avenue is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. For after-hours convenience, a 24/7 drive-thru and payment kiosk is available at 121 East Harrison Avenue.
HWWS may require a deposit for new service accounts. Specific deposit amounts are not publicly listed and may vary based on individual circumstances. Contact HWWS directly at 956-430-6100 to confirm current deposit requirements before applying for service.
Electricity in Harlingen
Harlingen residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to compare providers and select the plan that best fits their needs. With over 100 plans currently available in the area, shoppers can find rates well below the market average. The local market also features strong renewable energy options for environmentally conscious households. Visit our full Harlingen electricity page for detailed plan comparisons and provider information.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 6.48¢/kWh
Average rate: 16.28¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Harlingen
Harlingen residents have access to a diverse selection of internet service providers, with approximately 11 ISPs serving the area. Connection types include fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite options. This variety allows households to choose from high-speed fiber connections for demanding usage or more widely available cable and DSL services depending on location and budget.
Spectrum
Major cable internet provider offering widely available service throughout Harlingen with consistent speeds.
AT&T Fiber
Delivers high-speed fiber optic internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds in select Harlingen neighborhoods.
AT&T DSL
Provides internet service using existing phone lines in areas where fiber is not yet available.
Vexus Fiber
Regional fiber provider expanding service in South Texas with competitive gigabit options.
EarthLink Fiber
Offers fiber internet service with a focus on privacy and straightforward pricing structures.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network without traditional wired installation.
T-Mobile Fiber
Fiber optic service offered in limited areas through T-Mobile's expanding home internet portfolio.
Verizon 5G Home
Fixed wireless service using 5G technology for high-speed internet without traditional cable installation.
Internet FAQ
Fiber optic internet offers the fastest speeds in Harlingen, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for households with multiple users or remote work needs.
Several providers in Harlingen offer no-contract options, including fixed wireless services from T-Mobile and Verizon. Spectrum also typically provides service without annual contracts. Availability varies by address, so checking with individual providers is recommended.
If fiber service is unavailable, Harlingen residents can consider cable internet from Spectrum, DSL from AT&T, or fixed wireless options from T-Mobile or Verizon. Satellite internet is also available as a last resort for underserved areas.
Natural gas service in Harlingen
Natural gas service in Harlingen is provided by Texas Gas Service, the third largest natural gas distribution company in Texas. Harlingen falls within their Rio Grande Valley Service Area. Natural gas is commonly used in local homes for water heaters, heating systems, and cooking appliances. Residents can reach Texas Gas Service at (800) 700-2443 or visit texasgasservice.com to manage their accounts.
New customers can start service online through the Texas Gas Service website or mobile app, or by calling (800) 700-2443 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST. An adult 18 or older must be present when the technician arrives to turn on gas.
Deposits cannot exceed one-sixth of estimated annual billings. You may qualify for a waiver with satisfactory credit references or a letter from another utility showing good payment history within the past two years. Deposits are refunded after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments.
Leave your home immediately without using light switches or electronics. Once safely outside, call 911 and the Texas Gas Service emergency line at (800) 959-5325. Never attempt to turn gas service on or off yourself—only authorized personnel may do so.
Common questions about utilities in Harlingen
When moving to Harlingen, you'll need to establish electricity service (available through multiple retail providers), water and wastewater through the City of Harlingen Public Utilities, natural gas through Texas Gas Service, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with city water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through retail providers. City of Harlingen water service usually requires 1-3 business days after application approval. Natural gas connections through Texas Gas Service generally take 2-5 business days. Plan to start utility setup at least one week before your move-in date.
Most Harlingen utility providers require government-issued photo identification, your new service address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. The City of Harlingen may request a lease agreement or proof of ownership. Some electricity providers may run credit checks, while others offer prepaid options requiring no credit history.
Electricity providers in Harlingen generally offer full online enrollment through the Power to Choose marketplace. Texas Gas Service accepts online applications. However, as of February 2026, City of Harlingen water service typically requires visiting the Public Utilities office in person or submitting applications by mail with required documentation.