Norman man shocked by over $1,000 water bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Monday, a Norman man said he received a water bill so high, you might think it was your mortgage payment.
Todd East said his account showed fairly consistent water usage except for one month when it spiked. He isn’t sure why and said he’s now stuck with an over $1,000 water bill.
"There's no possible way that that my family used this much water in that month,” East said.
East is referring to the month of September. His water usage shows relatively consistent usage, except for the month of September where a massive line was a shock to him to.
"None of our routines have changed,” he said. “Same people doing the same laundry, taking the same showers. Nothing changed."
He and his family of five’s water usage and even bills have been relatively normal. March, April and May show it well below $200.
"The highest has been $200 for a month,” he said.
That was until Sept. when it spiked to over $1,000 for using over 100,000 gallons. He said he has no idea how either.
"We don't have any pool, no issues in my house, no running toilets, no leaky faucets,” he said.
News 4 reached out to the City of Norman who sent us a statement that can be read in full below.
As a matter of practice, our Utilities Office does not conduct media interviews regarding individual customer service matters or accounts. We strive to maintain professional and cordial relationships with all customers. Upon request and as allowed, we will make available applicable records for review or information-sharing.
City of Norman
They did make records available to News 4 like a letter they sent to East in mid-Sept. that warned of high billing and that a re-read of his meter was correct.
"There's no way for me to come up with that amount of money, you know?” he said.
Customer service notes were also made available. They show declined payments until East requested an on-site visit at the end of October.
News 4 was told no issues were found on site the next day, but the customer service notes show the issue “could be a constantly running toilet.” By mid-Nov. a payment plan was set up, though East said he doesn’t remember that. Now, they want the bill in full.
East said that’s a difficult request as money is tight, and he doesn’t feel they used that much water.
"I just don't feel like I should be liable for something that I don't feel like I used and they can't explain to me how I used it," East said.
East said he did get a cutoff notice in the mail last week. The city told News 4 that if the meter is having issues, it typically shows less usage rather than more. East’s usage did go back down to normal the very next month.