KPRC 2 helps widow cut $14K water bill in half

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 was able to get half the results Thanh Luu was looking for, so instead of a $14,533 water bill, the city of Houston is only making her pay approximately $7,260. Once late fees are deducted, it could be a little less.

The catch is: the property she's paying a monthly water bill on has been vacant for nearly two years. The Medical and Chest Clinic in Humble off FM 1960 belonged to her late husband who passed in May of 2014. It's been up for sale ever since.

"For $14,533, you can buy a car for that," Luu said. "I think the meter wasn't working properly before."

She said she reported a leak in her sprinkler system last August and had it fixed but didn't notice a jump in her bill until November.

The city decided Thursday to cut her bill in half as a part of its leak adjustment service and offered to set up an interest-free payment plan if Luu continues to pay her regular bill every month.

KPRC 2 spoke with Luu Thursday afternoon after she heard the news of her bill adjustment and she said $7,000 is still too much and is weighing her options of what she wants to do next.

One option she has is to have city officials come to the property to check the meter to make sure it's working properly. If her meter is not functioning properly, she won't have to pay a service charge.

The city said to make sure this doesn't happen to you, you should monitor your meter closely and report leaks as soon as possible.

You can sign up for a free service at www.houstonwater.org that alerts you when the water usage spikes.