When Joyce Howell, a retired nurse, and her Vietnam‑war‑veteran husband noticed their water bill climbing sharply, they turned to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for answers. The couple, both in their 80s and living on a fixed income, were shocked to learn they owed more than $9,200 for water usage dating back three years.
Meter failure went undetected
According to documents shared with NBC Los Angeles, the couple’s water meter stopped recording usage sometime in early 2023. LADWP records show the household was not billed for water between February 2023 and March 2026. When the utility finally investigated, officials confirmed the meter had been broken for at least three years, and possibly longer.
LADWP’s response
Joseph Ramallo, a spokesperson for LADWP, explained that the agency operates roughly 700,000 water meters and 1.7 million electric meters, and occasional equipment failures are inevitable. “In this case it is unfortunate,” Ramallo said. “We have a responsibility to all of our customers because we are funded by customer rates and charges. If water is used, we must charge for it, even when we look back up to three years.” He added that the utility has offered the Howell family a long‑term payment plan to help them manage the debt.
Family’s concerns
Howell’s daughter, who helped her parents contact LADWP, expressed frustration that the meter was never inspected or replaced. “They should have read the meter and sent a technician regularly to see if it was broken,” she said. She also warned that the bill places a heavy burden on seniors who have spent their lives serving the community.
Typical water costs
The Howell home, about 3,100 square feet, normally receives a monthly water bill of just over $300. Over the three‑year period in question, the unbilled usage accumulated to the $9,200 balance now owed.
What this means for other customers
While the Howell case is unusual, it highlights the importance of regular meter checks. LADWP officials note that meters can become stuck or fail, and they encourage customers to report any irregularities in their bills promptly.
Next steps
Joyce Howell said she is willing to pay the bill but believes the utility should have acted sooner. “If it was not working, somebody should have done something,” she said. The payment plan offered by LADWP will allow the couple to spread the cost over time, reducing the immediate financial strain.
Residents with similar concerns are urged to contact LADWP customer service to verify meter functionality and discuss payment options if unexpected charges arise.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
