News Summary
Byron Dixon, a resident of San Antonio, successfully resolved a billing dispute with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) after an unexpected charge following a water meter incident. Initially, SAWS crews assured him of no service interruption after repairing a water leak, but a bill arrived indicating an inflated charge. After weeks of follow-ups and community support, SAWS clarified the charge was due to water consumption, not meter damage, and credited the amount back to Dixon’s account. This case highlights the importance of effective communication in utility billing disputes.
San Antonio – A recent billing dispute involving the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has been resolved for a customer who faced an unexpected charge after a water meter incident. Byron Dixon, a resident of the area, reported a billing issue that began when SAWS crews were repairing a significant water leak in front of his home on January 29.
During the repair work, water was observed shooting out of the ground. Consequently, Dixon’s water meter was damaged, prompting assurances from SAWS employees that the meter would be replaced without any service interruption. However, the situation took a turn for the worse in late February, when Dixon received a bill indicating a past balance of $156, significantly higher than his previous bill of under $50.
Upon receiving the bill, Dixon contacted SAWS to dispute the charge. He was informed by the utility company that an extensive review of the issue would take several weeks. As a result, Dixon made repeated calls to follow up on the status of his dispute. After around eight calls and nearly two months without progress, he was informed by a SAWS representative that he was responsible for breaking his own meter and would need to pay for the repairs.
However, as the investigation unfolded, SAWS clarified that the previous balance was not related to the meter damage but rather to his water consumption. This revelation indicated that the charge Dixon was disputing stemmed not from an error in service but rather from standard usage metrics. After persistent follow-ups and community support, he reached out for assistance to facilitate the resolution of the issue.
The intervention prompted a SAWS representative to contact Dixon the following day. After further investigation, SAWS confirmed that the $156 charge had been credited back to Dixon’s account. The water utility also noted that a main break in front of his residence had indeed been the cause of the initial water meter damage.
SAWS emphasized their policy in such matters, stating that they are responsible for replacing meters that malfunction or require testing. Homeowners are typically held accountable for any necessary repairs only if they have directly caused the damage to the meter.
Dixon expressed his gratitude for the involvement and assistance that helped him resolve the billing issue. His experience serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise from utility billing disputes and the importance of clear communication between service providers and their customers.
This recent case highlights the ongoing commitment of community members to advocate for themselves and seek support when facing issues with local services. Public utility customers are encouraged to be proactive in addressing any discrepancies in their bills and to seek help when necessary.
The resolution of Dixon’s billing dispute reinforces the responsibility of public utilities to ensure fair treatment of their customers while advising on the policies that govern billing practices. As a part of an ongoing community engagement initiative, residents are encouraged to contact local services and media outlets for assistance with similar billing issues, emphasizing that support is readily available to those who seek it.
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: Call KENS Water Leak Meter Problem
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Water System
- KENS5: San Antonio Water System New Meters
- Google Search: San Antonio Water System new meters
- KSAT: South Bexar County Residents Face Hefty Bill
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Water Meter project
- Express News: San Antonio Water System Leaks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Water System
- KSAT: San Antonio Water System Installs Smart Meters
- Google News: San Antonio Smart Water Meters
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
