Water Access Crisis: San Antonio Resident Faces Utility Challenges on East Side

Water Woes on San Antonio’s East Side: A Resident’s Struggle with Utility Access

San Antonio has found itself in a perplexing situation that’s affecting a long-time resident, Curtis Gray, who has called the east side of this vibrant city home for nearly 30 years. While many residents enjoy a steady flow of water in their lives, Gray faced unexpected interruptions that left him puzzled and frustrated.

Unexpected Water Shut-Offs

At the age of 78, Gray thought he had everything figured out when it came to his home. “I was shocked because I always paid my bills and my meter has been in my name,” he shared. Just in the last month, Gray found himself without water twice, prompting him to reach out for help. After the second shut-off, he decided enough was enough and contacted the police, hoping that someone could explain what was happening.

A Baffling Discovery

When the situation caught our attention, we visited Gray’s home to investigate. That’s when we discovered that even though his water meter was registered in his name, it wasn’t actually located on his property! This surprising turn of events stemmed from the history of the land itself. Gray inherited his house from family members, and many years ago, his home rested on a larger lot that once contained two homes sharing the same water line.

As it turns out, when the family sold off the back half of the lot, the second home came with the shared water meter, but both houses continued to rely on the same source for their water needs. “When there were tenants in the other home, we always split the water bill,” Gray reminisced.

The Realty Twist

As fate would have it, the new owners of the second home, Riverbend Realty Group, decided to put it on the market. With no tenants in the second home, they turned off the water meter, causing the confusion for Gray. As a result, he found himself in a situation no homeowner wants to encounter – no water, and no clear path to resolution.

Attempts to reach Riverbend Realty Group for clarification have gone unanswered, leaving both homeowners in a quagmire.

A Costly Solution

To fix this issue, things aren’t looking good for Gray’s wallet. After contacting the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), spokesperson Anne Hayden laid out the reality. Each property truly needs its own separate water line and meter, which would entail some significant costs. The process often requires new owners to pay impact fees to gain service and even secure easements across another owner’s property just to connect to the main lines.

Hayden reminded us that “developers include these costs in the prices of new homes, but the average buyer may not be aware of these costs.” For Gray, that means he may need to fork over more than $7,000 to get everything sorted out properly.

A Community Issue

Unfortunately, Gray isn’t alone in his fight. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo has addressed similar cases in her district, highlighting a troubling trend where residents are losing access to vital utility infrastructure. “Properties have over several years been cut into smaller parcels… restricting access to the main lateral,” Castillo noted. Her proposed Water and Sewer Lateral Improvements Program aims to help residents like Gray tackle these challenges by partnering with SAWS.

Castillo is calling for community support to move forward with the program, which has already garnered backing from other council members. However, before any real change happens, it will be up to the city utility committee to evaluate and approve the initiative.

Advocacy in Action

Meanwhile, Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, who represents the area where Gray lives, expressed his concern over the situation. “Unfortunately, Mr. Gray’s situation is not unique, and many residents are struggling with improper utility infrastructure,” he said. He pledged to continue advocating for solutions.

Moving Forward Together

As the wheels turn in city halls and community discussions, residents like Gray are left navigating this tricky’situation alone. However, there is hope. If you or someone you know is facing similar problems with water access or other utility issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Community resources are available, and support may just be a phone call away. Remember, together we can work toward resolutions for systemic problems!