Customers who have been hit with never-ending water bills by Houston’s Public Works Department can see some relief if they are willing to pay a one-time fee of $150.
KPRC 2 Investigates have been working closely with the Public Works Department, the city of Houston, and local officials to get answers on the ongoing charges.
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In December, thanks to KPRC 2′s ‘DRAINED’ Investigation, Houston City Council voted to pass nine ordinances in hopes of providing relief to customers dealing with billing issues caused by the city’s water system.
But, even with the ordinances now in effect, customers say they are still being billed monthly.
Customers who say they are not using water at all, are still being charged
One viewer, Elena Garcia, contacted KPRC 2 Investigates to help stop the monthly bills from the water department on a meter on her property that hadn’t been attached to a home in 20 years.
The city told her the only way to make the charges stop was to pay a plumber more than a thousand dollars to remove the meter from the ground.
But, according to a change presented by former Mayor Sylvester Turner on Dec. 13, 2023, customers experiencing monthly water bills on meters they do not use could pay a one-time fee of $150 to lock their meters and stop the bills.
According to the ordinance, 47-61,47-63 - Customers are charged a minimum monthly base fee where a water meter is present because the city must reserve that capacity for the customer. The base charge includes water and wastewater. To avoid charges, a customer is required to pay for a private plumber to remove the meter, cap the line, and then cancel the account (cost approximately $1500). THE CHANGE: Offer the customer an option to have the meter locked for a one-time fee estimated to be $150, and once the customer account is charged for lock, all base charges will be removed from the account. This change provides a less expensive option for the customer to remove monthly base charges.
Customers say they weren’t aware of the change, and a City of Houston representative said they are in the process of making sure customers are aware of their options.
Some of you have asked Amy Davis not to let up and to find out what the new Houston mayor is doing about the problems that are persisting at the water department. Last week Amy reached out to the Mayor directly. His response came by text and reads in part, “We are putting finishing touches on a plan that should give real relief to customers.”
The new plan is expected to be released this week. We will let you know what happens.