Water Bill Issues Swamp Customers

Fox 29 has received dozens of calls from Philadelphia Water Department customers who received huge bills after the department apparently didn’t change batteries in water meters.

We first reported the problem last week when Debra Archer told us she was shocked when she got a $2,600 water bill for water she used seven years ago.

We've heard from dozens of viewers who unexpectedly got huge water bills and the calls keep coming in.

Customers are wondering why a supposed upgrade on their home water meters is actually costing them thousands of dollars.

The problem is caused by a dead battery in customers’ water meter readers. Once it goes, your water usage reads as zero.

Although the Philadelphia Water Department knew Archer’s meter battery was dead 5 years ago, she never knew until she got the bill.

Attorney Mike Burns represents another water department customer hit with a $1,700 water bill. Not only are they paying for past usage, they're getting nailed with penalties as well.

"The clients are concerned because they are getting a large bill without explanation," Burns said.

"Nobody explained what the problem was with the water meter. Nobody told them what the correction was with the water meter. And all the sudden they were hit with a bill that's pretty expensive."

The water department declined our request for an interview. It only said in a statement that "our customers are responsible for water usage at their property.”

Although the department does monthly readings on meter, it couldn't tell us why it doesn’t inform customers that meters are not working and may be socked with a huge bill.

For customers stuck with bills like this there is an appeals process you can go through.

And the water department also can put you on a payment plan.

Otherwise you get a warning your water will be shut off.