A Lincoln Park resident is disputing an outrageous water bill that arrived after the city installed a new meter at his home.
He said the city's limited response only added to his concerns.
Here's what to know
According to Local 4, homeowner Montanez said his charges were $217.67, $232.91, and $278.67 before they jumped to $743.51 after the city replaced a meter at his Lincoln Park home in September.
Speaking to the station, Montanez recalled, "I was pissed because, like I said, that's triple the amount that I normally pay."
Montanez said that when he contacted the city to see whether the increase was tied to rates or another issue, they told him the new system had flagged a leak. He later shared city documents showing a leak alert from two days ago.
He also told Local 4 he requested a property check, but was told no crew would be sent because the alert had already ended.
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More background
Montanez said the city's explanation did not match anything he observed. He told the network he has lived at the home for six years, had never had a leak with the previous meter, and saw no evidence of one inside or outside the property.
Local 4 said it contacted the city's water department, where a staff member identified as Kelly said by phone that the new metering system indicated a leak that later stopped. Kelly said it was not clear how the leak ended and that it could have been related to something the homeowner did.
Montanez pointed out it made little sense to him that a leak large enough to produce a $743.51 bill would stop on its own without repairs or an inspection. He relayed to the station that he paid the bill anyway and had to rearrange other expenses.
What can be done?
For Montanez, the dispute raised a broader question: Can residents get a clear explanation when an essential utility bill suddenly rises?
"If we're paying all of this money in taxes and everything, we at least expect some type of explanation, more than they're giving us," he asserted to Local 4.
For his part, he advised others to track their bills and meter apps religiously to avoid ending up in the same boat with a surprisingly high bill and little explanation.
In her comments to the station, Kelly said that if residents see a leak alert, they can contact the city and have someone look into the problem immediately.
Where can I learn more?
Similar complaints have surfaced elsewhere as residents question sudden water-bill spikes after meter changes or unexplained usage alerts.
• In Odessa, hundreds said new water meters quadrupled bills and refunds remained contested.
• In Jefferson Parish, officials moved to test smart water meters after residents' bills soared.
• In Los Angeles, a couple on fixed income got a $9,200 water bill after meter trouble.
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