Not in Texas? Browse bonds by state
Galveston utility service bonds.
Quote on review.
The City of Galveston runs its own water, sewer and refuse utility and requires security before it turns water on for any premises. Galveston Code § 36-51 lets that security be a cash deposit or a surety bond. A surety specialist reviews your application and returns a quote, usually within one business day.
Trusted by industry leaders
Built around your Galveston water account.
Galveston collects security before it supplies water to any premises. Here is the whole process, from the City's figure to an active account:
Get the figure, then apply
Ask Galveston Utility Billing what security it requires for the account and confirm it will take a bond in place of cash. Then apply online with your business details, the service address, and that amount.
A surety specialist prices it
The City has already set the amount, so the review is about the account, not sizing. A specialist confirms your exact premium and sends it back for approval.
Pay, e-sign & file with Utility Billing
Once you accept the quote and pay, the executed bond arrives by email, ready to present to Galveston Utility Billing with your service application. The city risk manager reviews the bond and the surety.
What it is and who needs it.
What the Galveston utility service bond guarantees
Galveston supplies water, sewer and refuse service through its own municipal utility, and water service is governed by Chapter 36 (Water, Sewers, and Sewage Disposal) of the Galveston Code of Ordinances. Section 36-50 requires a written application before water is supplied to any premises, and makes the applicant responsible for all money due on the account. Section 36-51 then delegates to the city manager full authority to set the amount and type of security required before water is furnished.
That section expressly allows the security to be a cash deposit or a bond with an appropriate number and type of sureties, and gives the city risk manager full authority over the adequacy of the bond and the sufficiency of the surety. The bond guarantees that you will pay your City utility bills: if the account closes with charges unpaid, the City can claim against the bond. You are the principal, the surety guarantees payment, and the City of Galveston is the obligee.
The City's current published figures are a $150 residential deposit and a $200 minimum for commercial accounts, which can run higher based on prior consumption. Residential security comes back after twelve months of good payment history, but the City's FAQ says commercial deposits are not refunded — they are applied to final charges when the account is closed. That is why a bond appeals most to commercial accounts. The City's forms print only the cash deposit, so confirm with Utility Billing that it will accept a bond for your account before you buy one. It is not insurance for you: if the surety pays the City, you repay the surety.
You need this bond if you’re
Claims, renewal, filing, and what sets the price.
If a claim is made
A claim comes from the party the bond protects, the obligee named on the form, when the duty the bond guarantees is not met.
The surety investigates and pays a valid claim, up to the bond amount. You then repay the surety: a surety bond is a guarantee of your performance, not insurance for you.
Renewal and term
Term and renewal are set in the underwriter's quote.
Keep the bond in force for as long as the obligation behind it runs.
How to file it
Pay, e-sign & file with Utility Billing. Once you accept the quote and pay, the executed bond arrives by email, ready to present to Galveston Utility Billing with your service application. The city risk manager reviews the bond and the surety.
What sets the price
This bond is underwritten: the premium is quoted from the bond amount and your financial picture, so there is no flat price to show.
One application, one specialist review.
These are the actual issuing fields — your business details, the bond amount, and the effective date. There is no credit section on this bond. Submit once and a surety specialist returns your exact price, typically within one business day. Free until your bond is issued.
Start the application →Common questions.
Other Texas bonds.
Requirements checked on the carrier’s application, . Page updated .
Keep your deposit cash working.
Send us the amount Galveston Utility Billing requires, and a surety specialist returns your price, typically within one business day. Free until issued.