Odessa residents and businesses may soon see relief on their water bills after a judge in Ector County denied requests to dismiss a class‑action lawsuit alleging excessive charges. The case, filed by Potts Law Firm, claims that the City of Odessa and the contractor Performances, which installed new water meters, overcharged thousands of customers.
Who is suing and why
The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for customers who believe they were billed more than they should have been for water usage. According to the filing, the alleged overcharges stem from the recent replacement of the city’s water meters, a project undertaken to modernize the system but which, the plaintiffs argue, resulted in inflated fees.
Potential impact on the community
Potts Law Firm estimates that roughly 46,000 water customers could be affected by the alleged overcharges. The firm is urging any resident or business who believes they were overcharged to come forward and join the class action. Participation could increase the potential reimbursement pool and strengthen the case against the city and its contractor.
Legal proceedings
The case will continue in Ector County District Court. While liability and the exact amount of any possible reimbursement have not yet been determined, the judge’s decision to let the lawsuit move forward signals that the court finds the plaintiffs’ claims plausible enough to merit further examination.
City’s response
The City of Odessa has not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the lawsuit. However, city officials typically defend the integrity of municipal services and may argue that the meter replacement was necessary for accurate billing and long‑term infrastructure reliability.
What residents should do
Anyone who received a water bill they suspect is inaccurate should review their statements carefully and consider contacting Potts Law Firm to learn how to become a class member. The firm has indicated it will provide guidance on the process and any required documentation.
Broader context
Water‑billing disputes are not uncommon in growing West Texas communities, where infrastructure upgrades can sometimes lead to billing confusion. This lawsuit underscores the importance of transparency in municipal billing practices and the need for residents to stay informed about changes that affect their daily expenses.
As the case proceeds, both the city and its contractor will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The outcome could set a precedent for how future water‑meter upgrades are billed and how municipalities communicate cost changes to the public.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
