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United States · Water

Water complaints in United States

Leaks, billing, pressure and water quality. Water complaints follow a different path from energy and telecom, and in some countries there is no ombudsman at all.

Providers
2
Regulators
5
Guides
3
Country rule

State rules differ. The FCC handles telecom complaints nationally but does not award compensation; state commissions handle many billing and service disputes.

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2 Water providers

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ND NYC DEP Drinking water and wastewater for New York City LADWP LADWP Water and electricity for the City of Los Angeles

Escalation

Who to escalate to

Only escalate after giving the provider a chance to fix the issue and keeping a record of dates, reference numbers and evidence.

CPUC California Public Utilities Commission Cross-sector regulator The California Public Utilities Commission regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, water, telecommunications and passeng… Complaint route NY PSC New York State Public Service Commission Cross-sector regulator The New York State Public Service Commission regulates electric, natural gas, steam, water and telecommunications utilities acros… Complaint route PUCT Public Utility Commission of Texas Cross-sector regulator The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates electric, telecommunications, water and sewer utilities in Texas. It oversees th… Complaint route FPSC Florida Public Service Commission Cross-sector regulator The Florida Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities in F… Complaint route FTC Federal Trade Commission Cross-sector regulator The Federal Trade Commission is the United States' consumer protection agency for unfair or deceptive business practices. It… Complaint route

Common questions

Water complaints in United States

Who do I complain to about a city water bill?

Start with the water utility's customer service and ask for the written complaint procedure. If it is not resolved, escalate to the city council, the utility board or your state public utility commission if the utility is privately owned.

Who handles water quality complaints?

Your state drinking water program and the EPA handle health-related water quality standards. The utility must publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report. For billing, use the utility's complaint process instead.

Can a state commission overrule a city water department?

Usually no. State commissions regulate privately owned water utilities. A city department answers to the city council or utility board. Use the municipal process and, if fairness is the issue, the local oversight body.

Playbooks

Guides worth reading first

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