About 15k water customers collectively owe $30M, service will soon be cut off, City of Houston says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston is dropping the hammer on water customers who owe the city some cash.

Mayor John Whitmire announced on Thursday that, after two years of “significant leeway” following inaccurate water billing incidents, the city will soon begin shutting off water to users with unpaid balances.

Whitmire said approximately 15,000 customers who have not paid their bills in 90 days, have an outstanding balance of over $500, and have remote water meter sensors all collectively owe the city $30 million.

Since the water billing mishap several years ago, Whitmire said the city has replaced faulty meters, corrected billing problems, and “worked to restore confidence that customers are being billed accurately.”

“This effort is about maintaining a fair and sustainable utility system and, just as importantly, being fair to the Houstonians who pay their bills on time,” Whitmire said in a statement. “Customers who are delinquent will receive clear notice and an opportunity to address their past-due balances before service is disconnected.”

The city said it is providing payment plans and information about assistance to customers who could see their taps run dry.

The city added that customers with questions about their account, payment arrangements, available assistance, or disputes should call 713-371-1400.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“