Water Billing and Post-Storm Meter Repairs in Black Mountain
Why Your Water Bill May Be Higher This Month: Post-Storm Meter Repairs Underway
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, many of the Town of Black Mountain’s water meters were damaged, submerged, or obstructed by debris. As a result, a number of water customers received estimated bills or base fees over the past several billing cycles while data from meters were unavailable.
Now that repairs are progressing and water consumption data is once again available, some customers may notice an unexpectedly higher, or lower, water utility bill from previous months. Over the previous months, these customers’ water utility bills were charged base or estimated fees, while water consumption data was not available. Estimates are calculated by using the past three (3) months’ average usage. If base fees or estimated usage were higher than a customer’s actual use, the one-time adjustment lowers the amount due for one (1) billing cycle. If the estimated usage or base fees were lower than a customer’s actual use, the one-time adjustment increases the amount due for one (1) billing cycle.
State law prohibits the Town from waiving utility fees. Customer service staff are prepared to discuss resources and options for customers experiencing financial hardship.
“We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience that may have been caused. The widespread effects of Helene continue to impact our water metering system. Staff have made tremendous progress in restoring access and making repairs, but efforts are still ongoing, and some irregularities may still occur. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to address all concerns as swiftly as possible” said Finance Director Tammy Heide. To ensure the water usage shown on your bill is accurate only related to the deferred meter damage, and not the result of a hidden leak, our customer service team can assist you with:
Leak Detection Support
Conservation Tips
Water Bill Review Requests
For questions or assistance with your water billing, customers can contact Greta Gibson, Customer Service and Revenue Supervisor, by phone, email, or in person at Black Mountain Town Hall, 160 Midland Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711. Please call Greta directly at 828-419-9303, or email greta.gibson@tobm.org with your inquiry, or if you would like to set up an appointment to review your account. The Town of Black Mountain Water Billing and Customer Service Department is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. We want to work with you to make this transition as smooth and fair as possible. The Town appreciates your patience as we recover together.
Please note that the City of Asheville Water Resources Department is also experiencing similar issues with water utility billing. If your water service is with the City of Asheville and you are experiencing billing inconsistencies, please reach out to them at 828-251-1122 or visit their offices at 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For continued updates on storm recovery and water system improvements, visit www.townofblackmountain.org.
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TOWN OF BLACK MOUNTAIN
160 Midland Avenue • Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711
Phone (828) 419-9300 • Fax (828) 419-7210 • TDD 800-735-2962 • www.townofblackmountain.org
