ATLANTA — Northwest Atlanta resident David Moore says he doesn’t know how he’ll pay off the $4,000 balance he owes the city.
“I don’t have $4,000 to pay,” he said.
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Moore and at least 20,000 City of Atlanta watershed customers are trying to get their balances down. Last week, the City of Atlanta told Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln they’ve started reviewing delinquent accounts on the list for shut offs.
The City says they’re considering cutting off water for some accounts for the first time since 2010 because they’re dealing with $121 million dollars in uncollected water charges.
Moore says it took several years for his bill to grow to $4,000. He said he had to deal with a massive sewer line break in 2016. During that time, he says his water bill started increasing.
“I was smelling raw sewage for months,” said Moore.
In work notes on the project Moore showed to Channel 2, it revealed the city acknowledged the line was installed incorrectly. The city made repairs to Moore’s line and adjusted his bill.
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Moore says his bill went from $13,000 to $4,000. He disputed the $4,000 remaining balance.
Atlanta Watershed told Channel 2 they want to work with customers and turning off the water is their last option.
A statement from City of Atlanta is below:
The Department of Watershed Management has more than 20,000 delinquent accounts that are currently at risk of disconnection. Disconnections will be a gradual process that will take place over the next several months. Disconnections are not imminent for this week, as we continue to engage the community and account holders surrounding options for payment compliance.
Additionally, DWM will continue to exhibit fairness, responsibility, and compassion with our account holders to move them in a place of compliance. DWM offers payment plans and are connecting our account holders with local resources for financial assistance through federal funds available via the Low-Income Water Assistance Program and DWMs Bill Payment Assistance Programs both managed through DWMs Care and Conserve Program. Please call 404.546.0311 for assistance.
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