Legal Question in Consumer Law in Texas

Billing error

Our cities water is handles by a 3rd party company. For months I was being charged between $500-1000/month for water to a single family dwelling with no sign of leaks. The city AND the company sent people out to inspect and each time returned with ''There are no leaks''. I was being charged for over 100,000 gallons of water used with no leaks! No pool, jacuzzi, fountains, sprinkler, etc on the property. I began checking daily to verify the readings (they had been misread several times before during this period - which had no effect on the overall cost in the long run). Mysteriously, one morning when I checked, a new meter was installed (turned 180� and zeroed out...indicative of a new meter). I called the 3rd party company and they had no record of a new meter being installed. My bills have since dropped DRAMATICALLY! More to the tune of what they SHOULD be. In short, I want some of those funds back which were taken ''at gunpoint'' (they shut my service off and required full balance of over $1000 to turn it back on at least once) during the time the city manager and the responsible company were telling me it was MY problem and I didn't know what I was talking about.


Asked on 4/03/07, 2:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Billing error

If the total overcharge is under $5,000.00 you can sue them in Small Claims for a refund. Your nearest JP's civil clerk should have a brochure as to how to prepare and file an action in Small Claims.

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Answered on 4/03/07, 3:39 pm
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Billing error

If you sue them, you will have to prove you have (had) no leaks. Do you have that proof? If so, go for it.

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Answered on 4/03/07, 9:26 pm


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