San Leon Municipal Utility District Water Department- Credit: San Leon MUD
Editor’s Note: This article includes quotes from individuals involved in a consumer-related issue. KGTX 7 has not independently verified all claims made by those interviewed. All named individuals were given an opportunity to comment.
SAN LEON — A San Leon couple says they are struggling to understand dramatic fluctuations in their water bill over the past several months, including bills showing more than 30,000 gallons of water usage they say they are unable to account for at their property.
Gabriela and Bryan, who asked that their last names not be released, suspect a faulty water meter may be contributing to excessive water bills.
According to the couple, they asked that San Leon MUD test the water meter while they were present at their home. The couple says that when a supervisor was sent to the residence, readings were collected during a drive-by visit.
The couple said San Leon MUD told them an inspector would replace the meter, but they have not verified whether it has been replaced.
According to a 150-page hourly usage report provided to the couple by San Leon MUD, the couple used water around 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., showing nearly 1,000 gallons of usage.
“It was 1,000 [gallons] here, 800 there, 900 there, and then there would be hours where there was nothing,” Bryan said.
The couple had a running toilet, but after fixing the issue, they said the water usage still appeared unusually high.
“We looked around our property — I never once saw any puddling throughout our home,” Bryan said.
According to the family, their water has been shut off for a week due to unpaid bills despite making payments of $500 to San Leon MUD over several months.
As of May, their latest water bill is $883.30.
“Part of the thing that upsets me the most is that I’m a stay-at-home mother; you’re shutting off the water when it’s clearly not our fault, and they still didn’t seem to bat an eye about it,” Gabriela said.
The couple said they have tried contacting San Leon MUD by phone and in person at the district office.
“I’ve gone into the office a couple of times; it’s something that I’ve heard more often than not, people complaining about high water bills,” Bryan said.
The family said San Leon MUD offered to adjust the sewage portion of their bill.
Gabriela and Bryan have filed an informal complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, but after contacting its Consumer Protection Division, Action 7 was not provided with a status due to confidentiality.
Action 7 also reached out to San Leon MUD for comment regarding the couple’s concerns, but the district declined to comment.
Information regarding rates and other services is available at www.slmud.org.
Have you experienced water bill related issues with the San Leon MUD? Contact Action 7 to give us your statement.
Jo’Tavia Norbert
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