Renter's almost $2,000 water bill prompts warning
By SHANNON CRABTREE newsdesk@leader-news.com

An almost $2,000 water bill has one El Campo family wondering how they will pay and the city urging residents to keep a sharp eye out for leaks.

The family had only been living in their rented mobile home on the city's southwest side a month when it received the shocking August utility statement.

Just for water, the family was billed $1,997.63. That's 906,400 gallons.

The culprit - a massive leak of both the water and sewer lines.

For that family, the choice is either pay the bill or come to City Hall in an effort to plead their case.

"There's something very troubling about this (the extreme bill)," City Finance Director Courtney Sladek said. "The homeowner doesn't seem to care about the tenant's plight."

The city has made numerous attempts to contact the landlord, she added.

A review panel comprised of the city manager, public works director and Sladek can review extreme cases such as this one and make a ruling.

But in general, the account holder is responsible for leaks on their side of the lines.

The city is audited as to its water use and billing, Utility Supervisor Virginia Cruz said.

A minimum use utility bill in the city of El Campo is $39.78 and includes sewer and garbage.

The computerized reading and billing system does flag extreme cases like the $2,000 water bill, but is not likely to pick up smaller peaks (a bill going from $150 to $300, for example).

Just a small drip, a pin prick, can waste 180 gallons of water a day.

Cruz suggested utility users make sure toilets and outside faucets aren't leaking.

Unusually green spots in the yard could be a clue that there is a leaking water line, Cruz said.

If possible, she also suggested checking under the house to make sure there aren't standing puddles which cannot be explained by the weather.

"The thing is to check these early," she said, adding there is a mitigation process when repairs are made, but the savings are not extreme.

City meter serviceman Stan Ray recommended city water users pay close attention to their monthly utility bills.

"If the bill jumps way out of line, check with the city," Ray said.

"It might be a problem with the meter or it might be a problem with the line."

Those calling, however, need to be aware that there is a $15 charge for the city to come out and check.

If the problem is on the landowner's side, they are responsible for the repair and the $15 fee. If the problem is found to be on the city's side, the fee is waived.

Another way to check for possible leaks, Ray said, is to turn off all water inside a home and then go check the meter.

"It the triangle is moving, there may be a leak," he said.