Water bills in DFW are rising fast. Here's what you can do when something seems wrong.
If your water bill is abnormally high:
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Check for leaks. Turn off all water in the house. Check your meter. If it's still moving, you have a leak. Under Texas Administrative Code 24.85, your water provider must adjust your bill if the high usage was caused by an underground leak that was not visible.
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Request a meter test. Under TCEQ rules, you have the right to request a meter accuracy test. If the meter is inaccurate by more than 2%, your bill must be adjusted.
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File a complaint with TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) if your provider refuses to investigate: tceq.texas.gov
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PUC complaint (Public Utility Commission of Texas) for investor-owned water utilities: puc.texas.gov
DFW-specific utility contacts:
- Dallas Water Utilities: 214-651-1441 (billing disputes)
- Fort Worth Water: 817-392-4477
- If served by a private utility (many suburban areas), the PUC regulates them
Rate increases:
- Municipal utilities (Dallas Water, Fort Worth Water) set rates through city council
- Private utilities must apply to PUC for rate increases, and you can protest them
- TCEQ oversees water quality for all providers
Water quality concerns:
- Request your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). They're required to publish one annually under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Free water testing: TCEQ provides guidance on certified labs for private well testing
- Lead concerns: Dallas and Fort Worth have ongoing lead service line replacement programs
Sources:
- Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 24 (water utility consumer protection)
- TCEQ — water utility complaints (tceq.texas.gov)
- PUC Texas — utility complaints (puc.texas.gov)
- Safe Drinking Water Act (federal)
- Dallas Water Utilities / Fort Worth Water — consumer resources
If your water bill doubled overnight, it's probably a leak or a meter issue. Don't just pay it.