HOUSTON – After dealing with the aftermath of Harvey, flood survivors are coming home to find skyrocketing water bills. Now the city of Houston said it plans to help and investigate what happened.
Hit by floodwaters, Nancy Lawrence knew she would lose her home.
"By Sunday morning we knew we had to evacuate--it was coming into the houses then they opened up the reservoirs and it kept creeping higher and higher," said Lawrence.
Rescued by her family's boats, she evacuated on Sept. 27. She knew there would be costs to pay, but she was not expecting the cost of her water bill--especially since she was not there.
"We evacuated the house my bill is $333. They say I used 22,000 gallons of water in 14 days," said Lawrence.
She immediately knew something was wrong.
"Seriously? Can you kick us down any more when we're down? Can you kick us down anymore?"
Others in the same area had reported something similar.
"A lot of people are starting to get water bills -- $700-$500 and the issue was brought up with the city that we should check these electronic meters," said Kurt Nelson who lives in the Memorial Drive Acres neighborhood.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said the office and Public Works have been inundated with people voicing the same issues.
"We are noting some anomalies here," said Mayor Turner. "After checking--it could be up to about 5,000 cases--again another byproduct of homes being flooded."
Turner said that no one should be penalized for not taking care of the bill in question.
"We have to put an administrative hold on those accounts--people will not be penalized--they're are not going to be disconnected--if you believe there is an issue please notify us and we'll investigate the issue and take a look at it."
Alanna Reed with Houston Public Works issued this statement to KPRC:
"Public Works is asking customers with flooded properties who received unusually high bills to please call Customer Account Services at 713-371-1400. Their bill will be placed on hold, they will not incur any penalties or fines, their water will not be disconnected, and their high bill will be carefully reviewed.
"Customers who had flooded property have enough to worry about and a high water bill should not be on the list. Again, please have these customers call 713-371-1400."
Lawrence said she just wants to move forward.
"I want to get back on my feet," said Lawrence. "Great community...great neighborhood...just can't wait to get back."
