Houston Water Bill Issue (400% rate increase) (Howe: 2013, credit, attorneys)

[visible]

As the title suggests, my water bill has increased from an average $35 dollars per month to an unbelievable $115. per month for the last 2 payments (June & July 2011). FYI, my home is located in Houston zip code 77018.

Calling The City of Houston for help hasn't resulted in any resolution to the problem. I was told that I have probably filled my swimming pool too many times, or that I have a plumbing leak, or that I've watered my lawn too much.

However, I don't have a swimming pool, nor have I had a plumbing issue and I don't irrigate my yard's grass at all.

The City was supposed to send a guy by the house to check the water meter over a month ago; he never showed up. I was also told not to worry - that my bill was on-hold pending an investigation and my water would not be turned off, or the bill become delinquent.

Today I got a delinquent bill notice with penalties applied - and a new bill larger than the last one.

Questions:
1) Has anyone else noticed their water bill going up 400% for June and/or July of this year?
2) What recourse do I have in the described scenario?

Any input from other Houston residents, attorneys, Texas Utility Commission representatives and/or the news media would be appreciated.

[Oildog]

A couple months I got a big bill, like $100, then ever since they have credited my monthly 'normal' payment.

[visible]

Originally Posted by Oildog

A couple months I got a big bill, like $100, then ever since they have credited my monthly 'normal' payment.

Do you recall when you got the bill? Was it for May or June 2011?

Had you used more water for that month?

Did the City ever give you a reason why your bill spiked?

[supaflyz]

Mine double for the last 2 months. IT was around $60, but went up to about $120 for the last two months.

[Malvie]

Mine went from $16.50 or so a month to $150.00.

I have been watering heavily, so I knew that was partially to blame.

What appeared to be different to me is that formerly, there was no charge for Sewer.

Now, the Sewer charge is higher than the water charge. I figured they had pushed through some kind of hike without me knowing about it.

[Oildog]

No it was 20010, but around summertime. I dont water, i live in a townhouse.

[visible]

Originally Posted by supaflyz

Mine double for the last 2 months. IT was around $60, but went up to about $120 for the last two months.

Wow, that's a 100% increase in your water bill. Can you attribute the increase to anything specific?

Originally Posted by Malvie

Mine went from $16.50 or so a month to $150.00.

I have been watering heavily, so I knew that was partially to blame.

What appeared to be different to me is that formerly, there was no charge for Sewer.

Now, the Sewer charge is higher than the water charge. I figured they had pushed through some kind of hike without me knowing about it.

Yes, for mine too - the Sewer is more $ than the water. Still, I don't run a lawn sprinkler and I'm very conservative - and so far neither the City or myself can account for why my bill has increased 400%. If I don't pay, my water gets cut off. Apparently, right or wrong, you must pay whatever arbitrary amount the City demands, or face the consequences.

[visible]

Update:

I had to pay the June bill - while the City is trying to get someone to come out and check the meter. All communications with them now are recorded and confirmed by a supervisor in writing, for future reference. Up to this point there has still been no resolution to the problem or a reason why my bill jumped 400%.

[chris_ut]

My bill tripled 3 months ago and has been slowly falling back to normal. No sprinklers or pool.

[supaflyz]

I don't really know Visible. I only water the plants. I don't know if they charge you higher because of the drought.