Kristina Moore, a Baltimore resident who recently inherited her late father's home, is contesting a $228,000 water bill that has been attached to her property. Moore received a notice in April warning that her water service could be disconnected within 45 days if the substantial debt was not paid.
The bill is associated with a single water meter that serves 37 homes within the Springwood Estates Homeowners Association (HOA), and that meter is linked to Moore's address. Residents of the neighborhood are responsible for calculating their individual water usage and paying their share to the HOA, which then forwards the payments to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW).
Moore stated that she initially contacted the HOA for clarification, believing the responsibility did not lie with her. However, she was subsequently informed by the DPW that her property was liable for the entire amount. She also claimed that the outstanding bill prevents her from selling the property.
Moore has reportedly agreed to a payment plan, but the notice to pay the full amount remains in effect until the debt is settled. Other residents in the neighborhood have expressed confusion and disagreement with the billing situation, with some suggesting that each household should have its own meter and individual bills.
Moore conveyed a sense of disappointment with the handling of the issue, describing it as "sad" given her connection to the property and her work within the city. Officials from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works stated that they are unable to comment on specific customer water accounts without prior authorization.