<\/p>\n
The city of Dallas has about 330,000 active water meters throughout the city, and fewer than 1% of meter readings require additional review, according to the release.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Juan Figueroa\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
As Dallas residents continue adjusting to the city\u2019s updated DallasGo billing system<\/a>, some residents have reported higher than usual water bills.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you think there may be an issue with your water bill, here\u2019s what to know.\u00a0<\/p>\n Why is my water bill higher than usual?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Higher-than-normal water bills can happen for a variety of reasons, including:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Customers may also be affected by the city\u2019s updated DallasGo billing platform, which launched in May and required customers to re-register their accounts.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some Dallas residents faced incorrect thousand-dollar water bills, as well as a new 3.15% convenience fee attached to one-time online or phone payments, as previously reported<\/a> by The Dallas Morning News. One Dallas resident told The News she received a water bill for $5,776.23 when her average bill typically is lower than $115.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related<\/strong>: Dallas water billing rollout sparks complaints over billing errors, long hold times<\/a><\/p>\n During the transition to the updated system, Dallas Water Utilities has put a pause on late payment fees and water service disconnections.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The new 3.15% convenience fee is charged by and paid directly to the third-party processor, according to the city’s website. Payment options<\/a> that require the 3.15% convenience fee include:<\/p>\n To avoid paying the 3.15% convenience fee, customers can:\u00a0<\/p>\n How can I get my water meter checked in Dallas?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n A water meter is used to measure and record the amount of water delivered to the property. Residential meters are generally located underground in a meter box near the curb or property line, according to a July city news release.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The city of Dallas has about 330,000 active water meters throughout the city, and fewer than 1% of meter readings require additional review, according to the release.\u00a0<\/p>\n While water use is measured by meters and read by trained staff, the city may estimate a reading if a meter is covered by a car, ice or similar items, according to the city\u2019s website<\/a>. In those cases, usage is based on previous months, which could cause your bill to not be accurate to your water usage that month.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you have a question about your water meter or would like to request to have it checked, call Dallas Water Utilities at 214-651-1441.\u00a0<\/p>\n If I had a water leak, can I get money back on my water bill?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Customers can report water leaks through Dallas 311<\/a> by calling the department, using the Dallas 311 app or filing a service request online.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Related<\/strong>: How to report potholes, code violations, missed trash pickups in Dallas<\/a><\/p>\n Individuals can also request a leak adjustment in cases where a water leak caused a significant increase in water consumption, resulting in a higher water bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n Customers must submit their leak adjustment request within 90 days of completing the repairs to be eligible. More information about the program can be found on the city\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n What if I can\u2019t afford to pay my water bill?<\/strong><\/p>\n Some individuals may qualify for Dallas Water Utilities\u2019 financial assistance program, called Operation WaterShare<\/a>. Customers can call the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center or the West Dallas Multipurpose Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n How can I contact Dallas Water Utilities?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n Dallas residents can contact Dallas Water Utilities customer service Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 214-651-1441.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n