New Water Meters Spark Controversy for San Antonio Homeowners
A recent wave of controversy has emerged among San Antonio residents, with many homeowners blaming the city's new digital water meters for skyrocketing water bills. Toni Legrand, a North Side resident, is one of many who have experienced this issue.
Legrand noticed a significant fluctuation in her monthly bill from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) shortly after the utility installed a new meter in her front yard. Her usual bills of around $30 initially soared to over $100, then dropped, and then rose again to more than ten times the original amount, reaching around $300 in September. The October bill was even more shocking, at $379.
But she wasn't alone in her surprise. Online forums, such as Nextdoor, are filled with posts from other homeowners facing similar issues. One person reported a bill of over $250 after removing the old meter, while their normal bill was around $60. Another's bill tripled, and another's normal $40 bill now ranges from $120 to $160 per month.
However, Anne Hayden, the communications director for SAWS, refutes any issues with the new meters. She emphasizes that the meters undergo rigorous quality control checks before and after installation. Hayden explains that some homeowners were not being billed for water due to malfunctioning meters in the past.
In Legrand's case, her old meter wasn't functioning properly, leading to her only being billed for sewer service for 18 months. Leaky pipes, fixtures, or appliances are suspected culprits in other cases, according to Hayden. The new meters are designed to detect leaks or unusual usage and alert homeowners, but this requires customers to keep their contact information updated with SAWS.
If homeowners receive unexpectedly high bills, Hayden advises contacting SAWS promptly. They should inspect their water meters for leaks and can also refer to SAWS' online video guide on checking meters for water usage. If a leak is detected, homeowners can collaborate with SAWS' leak detection team instead of hiring external experts.
For more information, visit the SAWS website. This controversy highlights the importance of clear communication and regular meter maintenance to ensure fair billing practices.
