Setting Up Utilities in Waco, TX
Your complete guide to setting up water, electricity, internet, and gas service in Waco, Texas.
Waco Utility Guide
Setting up utilities in Waco requires coordinating with several different providers to get your home fully operational. This guide walks you through the process for each essential service—water, sewage, garbage, electricity, gas, and internet. You’ll find information on which providers serve the Waco area, what documents you’ll need, and how to initiate service. Whether you’re moving into a new home or transferring existing accounts, this resource covers what you need to know.
Water service in Waco
The City of Waco Water Utility Services manages water for approximately 130,194 residents, with Lake Waco serving as the primary water source. New residents can set up service online via the Start Service Form, by phone at 254-299-2489, by email at [email protected], or in person at the Water Office located at 425 Franklin Avenue. The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Allow 1-2 business days for service activation.
City of Waco Water Utility Services
Phone: 254-299-2489
Website: https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Water-Utility-Services
Office: 425 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Sewage Service
Sewer service in Waco is bundled with water and solid waste services. If your address has water, sewer, and solid waste services available, all charges are consolidated on the same utility bill from the City of Waco. No separate setup is required for sewer service.
Garbage & Recycling
City of Waco Solid Waste Services provides trash and recycling collection for approximately 40,000 residential customers. Gray waste carts are collected weekly, while blue recycling and green yard waste carts are collected bi-weekly. All collections occur on the same day each week based on your address. Download the Waco Curbside app for schedule reminders. Contact Solid Waste at (254) 299-2612 or text (254) 640-3336 for questions.
You will need to provide your Texas driver's license number and Social Security number when applying for new water service. These documents are required for identity verification and credit assessment during the application process.
Residential security deposits range from $75 to $300, depending on your credit and account history. Additionally, your first bill will include a $50 service fee and a $12.50 solid waste administration fee.
The MyWaco Water online portal at mywacowater.com provides self-service options for account management and bill payments. You can view usage, pay bills, and manage your account settings through this portal.
Electricity in Waco
Waco residents benefit from Texas’s deregulated electricity market, which allows consumers to select their own retail electricity provider rather than being assigned to a default utility. This competitive environment gives households access to a wide range of plans and pricing options. With over 100 plans currently available in the Waco area, residents can compare rates and terms to find coverage that fits their usage patterns and preferences. Visit our full Waco electricity page for detailed plan comparisons.
Electricity Market Snapshot
Lowest rate: 8.71¢/kWh
Average rate: 15.96¢/kWh
Plans available: 109
Green energy plans: 107
Internet providers in Waco
Waco residents have access to a variety of internet service options to meet different needs and budgets. The city is served by six providers offering fiber, cable, satellite, and fixed wireless connections. Whether you need high-speed fiber for demanding applications or satellite coverage in outlying areas, Waco’s internet infrastructure provides multiple choices for staying connected.
AT&T
Major telecommunications provider offering fiber and DSL internet services with widespread availability throughout Waco.
Spectrum
Cable internet provider delivering reliable broadband speeds without data caps to residential and business customers.
Viasat
Satellite internet service available across Waco, including rural areas where wired connections may be limited.
HughesNet
Nationwide satellite provider offering internet access to locations throughout Waco regardless of ground infrastructure.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Fixed wireless service utilizing T-Mobile's cellular network to deliver home internet without traditional wiring.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet leveraging Verizon's 5G network for high-speed connectivity in eligible areas.
Internet FAQ
Fiber internet offers the fastest speeds in Waco, with some providers delivering up to 5 Gbps. Fiber connections also provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, making them ideal for video conferencing and large file transfers.
Yes, satellite providers like Viasat and HughesNet serve rural areas where cable and fiber infrastructure may not reach. Fixed wireless options from T-Mobile and Verizon may also be available depending on cellular coverage in your location.
Consider your household's speed requirements, data usage habits, and budget. Check which providers service your specific address, as availability varies by neighborhood. Compare contract terms, equipment fees, and whether data caps apply to your plan.
Natural gas service in Waco
Natural gas service in Waco is provided exclusively by Atmos Energy, the regulated utility for the area. Most Waco homes rely on natural gas for heating, water heaters, and cooking appliances. New residents can establish service online at atmosenergy.com or by calling 888-286-6700. Since a technician must visit to inspect gas lines and turn on pilot lights, scheduling well in advance of your move-in date is recommended.
Atmos Energy charges a start-up fee of approximately $60. A deposit of around $90 may also be required depending on your credit check results. Providing your Social Security number helps determine deposit requirements. Deposits are refundable after one year of good payment history.
Submit a request online through the Atmos Energy Start Service form or call 888-286-6700. A technician must visit your home to inspect gas lines and light pilots. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, and someone must be present.
Leave the area immediately without using light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark. Once safely away, call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866-322-8667. Never attempt to locate or repair a gas leak yourself.
Common questions about utilities in Waco
When moving to Waco, you'll need to establish electricity service (through a retail electric provider of your choice), water and wastewater service through the City of Waco, natural gas through Atmos Energy, and internet/cable through providers like Spectrum or AT&T. Trash collection is typically included with City of Waco water service.
Electricity can typically be connected within 24-48 hours through most retail providers. City of Waco water service usually requires 2-3 business days notice. Atmos Energy gas service generally takes 3-5 business days. Internet installation may take 1-2 weeks depending on provider availability and whether professional installation is required.
Most Waco utility providers require government-issued photo ID, your new service address, and a Social Security number for credit verification. You may also need your lease agreement or proof of property ownership. The City of Waco water department typically requires a completed application and may request a deposit based on credit history.
Most utilities offer online signup. Retail electricity providers and Atmos Energy allow complete online enrollment. Internet providers like Spectrum and AT&T also support online ordering. However, City of Waco water service requires visiting the Utility Office at 1415 N. 4th Street or calling directly, as online-only applications are not currently available.