In our ongoing investigation, we’ve uncovered shocking water bills draining the pockets of Houstonians, with some reaching hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Today, we delve into the planned water bill increases and the surplus city revenue, sparking questions about the necessity of additional charges.

City Surplus and Planned Increases

Water rates in Houston have been steadily increasing, with another hike set to take effect on April 1st. However, amidst these hikes, Houston Public Works finds itself with an unexpected surplus of over $46 million this fiscal year alone.

Flushed with Funds: Houston Public Works

While residents grapple with exorbitant bills, the city’s Public Works department finds itself in a comfortable financial position. Chris Hollins, the City of Houston Controller, reported a significant revenue surplus, attributing it primarily to higher-than-anticipated water and sewer revenue.

Questioning the Increase

Council members, notably Sallie Alcorn, voiced concerns during a city council meeting, questioning the necessity of increased rates given the surplus. The finance director remained tight-lipped, deferring to the mayor.

Explaining the Revenue Surge

When pressed for an explanation, Controller Chris Hollins attributed the revenue increase to heightened water consumption during drought conditions, leading to greater demand for critical services.

Audits and Accountability

In response to mounting questions, Mayor John Whitmire pledged audits to scrutinize Public Works spending. While the timeline for these audits remains uncertain, both the mayor and the controller have committed to thorough investigations.

Mayor’s Plan for Relief

Mayor Whitmire is devising a water bill relief program, aiming to alleviate the burden on customers. Additionally, significant changes within the water department are underway, promising relief to beleaguered residents.

Continuing the Investigation

Despite these developments, our ‘DRAINED’ investigation persists. Led by Amy Davis and her team, we remain committed to uncovering the truth behind Houston’s water billing crisis. Stay tuned for updates and developments in the coming weeks.

For assistance with water bill issues, reach out to Amy Davis or Producer Andrea Slaydon. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter highlighting the latest from the investigation.