Houston residents facing higher water bills have another reason to take a close look at their monthly statements.

City of Houston Controller Chris Hollins says new fees and changing water rates can raise costs, but an unexpected spike in usage could also signal a leak or meter problem.

"I talked about this a lot during budget season, we're now taking $200 million dollars a year out of the water fund and using it to pay for trash and using it to pay for police and firefighters, and so that money is going to ultimately result in you getting a higher water bill because the water rates are going to have to be increased to continue to invest in the water system that you pay for now," he said.