Lawmakers to host town hall over private water company's proposed fees

ALDINE, Texas (KTRK) -- For months, 13 Investigates has heard from residents across the state who are frustrated by the cost of their water bills from Texas Water Utilities.

Now, Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston) said his office has heard from customers as well with concerns about their bills, and he's getting involved to help educate them on their options when it comes to proposed water and sewer fee increases by the private water company.

Walle will join Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) and Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston) to host a virtual town hall on a proposed fee increase.

"What we're trying to do is educate them, let them know that there is a rate increase application that has been filed and that they have education, they have the tools to be able to understand what type of investment was made, but also what potentially would be the increase in their water bills," Walle said.

Walle said about 350 affected customers were invited to participate, and there will be representatives from the Texas Water Utilities and the Public Utility Commission of Texas at the meeting as well.

The town hall was originally scheduled to be in person in Aldine, but was moved to a virtual format due to inclement weather.

Texas Water Utilities has filed a proposal with the state to add another $34 a month onto its customers' bills for "system improvement charges."

According to the filing, the fee is to recoup $81.8 million for system upgrades the company implemented statewide over a year-and-a-half period.

The fee, if it passes the state's process, will be tacked on to about $150 worth of fees customers are already paying monthly before using a drop of water, according to several customers' bills.

SEE ALSO: First-time homebuyer outraged by $138 utility base fees

13 Investigates has spoken with customers who say they hope the Public Utility Commission of Texas steps in, because no matter how much they change their water usage habits, the fees make it impossible to make their bills manageable.

"What we're trying to do is empower them, educate them, and inform them that they have tools in their toolbox as consumers to be able to understand what's going on and how much they're going to pay," Walle said.

Texas Water Utilities previously told 13 Investigates residents may qualify for financial assistance and can apply for aid online.

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