AUSTIN — Austin city leaders are making major changes for Austin Water Utility after complaints about high water bills.
Council members approved major changes Thursday to the Austin Water Utility company after it was confirmed that former water meter readers made up readings, spawning high water bills for some customers. Now with the changes, customers can receive up to 100 percent credit for leak adjustments - instead of just 50 percent.
New customers can now apply for high bill adjustments after four months --instead of waiting for 12 months. And -- if you've complained to Austin Water about your bill and it wasn't lowered, city council members approved an avenue for customers to pursue an administrative hearing.
Austin Water is hoping this renews trust between the company and its customers.
At the beginning of this year -- more than 7,000 residents complained about extremely high water bills, prompting the city to issue approximately $138,000 in credit to the affected customers.
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