94-year-old woman and her daughter relieved after $3,000 water bill gets deducted

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A woman and her 94-year-old mother have spent months trying to resolve a water bill exceeding $3,000 that the older woman received.

Hattie Chatmon, who lives alone in the Eastex Jensen area, said she only uses water for washing dishes, clothes, and taking baths, and she drinks only bottled water. Her daughter, Betty Chatmon Coleman, ensures all her bills are paid.

When Betty discovered that her mother’s water bill in early 2024 was over $3,000, she was shocked. The bill showed extremely high usage, but Hattie hadn’t changed any of her habits.

They hired a plumber who noted a “small leak” in his invoice, but neither Hattie nor Betty had noticed any issues.

For months, Betty has been contacting the city to get the bill reduced, as her mother cannot afford such a high amount. She spends her lunch breaks trying to resolve the issue.

“I only have 30 minutes for lunch, and every Friday, I’m trying to handle this on my break,” Betty said. “It’s crazy.”

Betty filed paperwork for a leak adjustment with the city and was instructed to call back monthly about the application.

“I’m trying to stay composed, but this is very frustrating,” Betty said. “I’ve done everything I can. I even wrote to the mayor but haven’t heard back. Something needs to be done. My mom is in her 90s; she shouldn’t have to worry about this.”

Houston Public Works, who promptly reviewed Hattie’s account. A spokesperson attributed the high bill to a leak and a winter storm. The city adjusted her bill from $3,373.59 to $13.92.

Both Betty and Hattie were thrilled with the news.

Houston Public Works encouraged customers with billing issues to contact Customer Account Services at 713-371-1400. They recently launched in-person or virtual appointments, which can be scheduled online at HoustonWaterBills.org or by calling the number above.