City of El Campo forgives water bill, encourages monitoring statements
By SHANNON CRABTREE newsdesk@leader-news.com

The city of El Campo has forgiven an almost $2,000 water bill owed by a family renting a mobile home on the southwest side of town.

The family, who had only lived in the home a month, was shocked to learn of a massive water leak under the ground.

They do not have the means to pay the bill - ever, City Manager John Steelman said.

So the $1,997.63 water fee for 906,400 gallons has been dropped.

"This has never happened before that I know of," Steelman told City Council members Tuesday.

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

Leaks can be deceiving. A pin prick, can waste 180 gallons of water a day.

The city encourages residents to pay close attention to their monthly utility bills.

"If the bill jumps way out of line, check with the city," Serviceman Stan 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.