Atlanta Residents Battle Huge Water Bills

Two Atlanta residents, Gail Mapp and Janice McKinney, are facing extreme water bill discrepancies, prompting them to challenge their charges. Mapp received bills that escalated from $13 to over $81,000 for a vacant inherited property, despite no water usage being detected. Similarly, McKinney's bill soared to $762.52, claiming she used over 26,000 gallons in one month, a figure she disputes given her typical bill ranges from $37 to $60. Both women hired plumbers to investigate their respective situations; however, city inspections found no leaks in Mapp's case and suggested a minor leak in McKinney's home without adjusting her bill. These incidents highlight ongoing frustrations with water billing practices and the challenges residents face in disputing charges. The City of Atlanta has stated that adjustments are contingent on proof of repairs for identified leaks.