Outrageous water bills won't have to be paid, Houston city officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you're a city of Houston water customer and you're stressing out about a big bill, there is relief for you.

City officials say they will not be forcing residents to pay a huge water bill because of water leaking from burst pipes from last week's winter storm. Instead, they're asking customers to be prepared to pay what was owed on their last water bill and ask that you continue to pay on time.

The city of Houston Public Works Department has received thousands of calls from people who reported water leaks in their homes, which added to normal water usage. Plumbers across the region were also overwhelmed with calls.

SEE ALSO: Some Texans could be hit with spiking power bills

If you had storm damage to your home and you can't afford repairs, the city of Houston is raising money to help. You can txt HOUSTONFREEZE to 898211 or go to winterstormrelief.org.

RELATED: Texas lawmakers to hold ERCOT under microscope for winter grid disaster

In the video above, hear from one of the state's foremost experts on the power grid and four legislators from Houston who will investigate why millions of Texans were left in the dark.

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