Billing Error Results in Overcharge for Some Water Customers

Water meter. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Customers in Wailuku and parts of Kula may have been overcharged in current water bills due to an error in a new computer billing system, department officials announced today.

“For most residential customers, the overcharge was approximately $8 to $10 on the monthly water fee,” said Jacky Takakura, administrative officer for the Maui Department of Water Supply in a press release.

Department Director Dave Taylor issued a statement saying, “We are fortunate to discover the problem early on and apologize for any inconvenience to those customers who are affected. Our staff will be reviewing all affected accounts and making the correction within the next few billing cycles.”

Customers in affected areas are being asked to monitor their water bills for the next couple of months.

“If there is an overbilling error, they will see a correction on the bill. If customers do not see the correction within the next two to three months, they may call the Fiscal Customer Service line at 270-7730,” said Taylor.

The error was reportedly discovered on Friday when the Honolulu board of Water Supply, which provides billing services, advised county officials of the problem.