Atlanta plans $737,000 in refunds over water bills

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

ATLANTA - Atlanta officials plan to refund more than $737,000 to 541 customers who were overbilled for water service.

The refunds would go out if the City Council approves the plan next week.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that 36 of the customers are expected to receive more than $5,000, including two in one city district who will divide $46,632.

The refunds are the result of an audit of the city's small meters in 2011, which reviewed nearly 160,000 water meters that were installed after 2006. The small meters primarily serve residential customers.

After the new equipment was installed, some Atlantans were surprised to see their water bills spike. One woman told the newspaper that her bill climbed as high as $10,000, but no leaks were ever found.