$80 to $878: Residents question spiking water bills
By Nicholas Brooks
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TERRY, Miss. (WAPT) — Some residents in the town of Terry are demanding answers after seeing their water bills jump dramatically following the installation of new digital water meters.
In some cases, monthly bills reportedly increased from under $80 to nearly $900, prompting frustration and questions about whether the meter replacement project is connected to the spike.
The town of Terry said approximately 500 homes recently received new digital water meters as part of an upgrade. Officials said they are now reviewing concerns raised by residents.
For homeowner Dale Arnold, the issue began shortly after crews arrived at his home to replace his meter.
“The first thing I saw was they came out here about two months ago to change the meter,” Arnold said.
Arnold said problems followed the installation.
“Well, they messed around and broke the pipe,” he said.
Arnold said the damaged line led to a water leak that continued for days. He believes that leak may be tied to his unusually high bill.
Town officials say the meter replacement project affected roughly 500 homes and involved replacing meters that were missing or not working properly.
Arnold said his most recent bill came as a shock compared to what he normally pays.
“It’s $878, so it went from $ 78 to $ 878,” he said.
He provided documentation showing his previous bill totaled just under $80, compared to a current bill of $878.
Arnold said he brought his concerns to city hall.
“That they were aware of it. Don’t worry about it wouldn’t be no late fee, wouldn’t be nothing,” he said.
He also said residents were not notified before crews arrived.
“No, I wasn’t notified about anything. I just saw strangers that are working on my meter,” Arnold said.
In a statement, the town of Terry said it understands residents’ concerns and is taking the issue seriously.
Officials said recent bills may include adjustments beyond a normal billing cycle due to the new digital meter installations.
The town said future bills should more accurately reflect current water usage. Leaders also said they are reviewing the charges and plan to address concerns at a public meeting.
We reached out to city hall for comment from the mayor, but calls were not returned before the deadline.
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