Texas auto-shop owner gets $1,936 water bill despite 7 weeks without running water

Restored water service didn't resolve the problems the owner of a Houston auto shop is facing.

After her family's business went seven weeks without running water, Vicky Maldonado received a $1,936 water bill, according to KPRC.

Here's what to know

Maldonado and her family struggled to operate their southwest Houston auto shop without running water. 

With questions about the outage going unanswered, she turned to KPRC, the station reported.

"This is what I've been dealing with for the past seven weeks. Absolutely no water," Maldonado told KPRC.

Water service was finally restored at the property when Houston Public Works repaired a failed coupling four days after the station visited. 

Maldonado said a city representative had come to investigate within hours of that visit.

More background

Maldonado's first suspected culprit for the outage was construction near a METRO bus stop. 

Beyond managing the water loss, she also struggled to find out who was responsible.

The agency told KPRC 2 that the last work METRO had done at that location dated to 2023.

After reviewing Maldonado's paperwork, the station contacted METRO and Houston Public Works about what would happen to the bill, which agency was responsible, and why water-line repairs were delayed. 

What can be done?

KPRC will follow up on the billing dispute.

The station outlined several steps for Houston residents and businesses contending with city service problems.

Start by calling 3-1-1 to report the problem and request a tracking number for the service complaint. Photographs, billing documents, emails, and notes from discussions with city staff can also help document the issue.

For an unexpected water bill, KPRC recommends calling Houston Public Works at 713-371-1400 to request a review of the charge or a possible adjustment.

Getting through to the appropriate city departments was where the station's help mattered most, according to Maldonado.

"You, the first time I messaged with you, you were very helpful, and it helped with a lot of communications with higher-ups and different departments," she told reporters.

Where can I learn more?

Water customers elsewhere in Texas have also challenged bills and questioned billing practices. These stories cover disputed meter readings, short payment windows, and usage tracking.

• Odessa is fighting refunds as hundreds say new meters quadrupled their bills.

• Beaumont residents received water bills with one day to pay, but officials say shutoffs aren't imminent.

• Texarkana water customers can track hourly water use after smart meter bill spikes.

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