DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) – A Dawson man said he’s being charged more than $200 for water each month, even though his home has not had running water for years.

Eddie White said the issue began three years ago after a fire damaged his house and forced him to move in with his mother. White said he shut off the water following the fire, but despite a city worker confirming his meter reads “zero,” he continues to receive high bills.

“They sent one of the city guys over here to check it. He looked at the meter, and I even took a picture. The city of Dawson said ‘No, ain’t no water ever been on here.’ I told them ‘That’s right, it’s been off for years,’” White explained.

According to the city, Dawson customers are billed based on the amount of water used, measured by a meter, multiplied by the city’s water rate. A flat $59 fee is charged monthly for meter service, but White’s bills have exceeded $200, despite showing no usage.

“They’re destroying me, really. Ain’t nothing I can do,” White said. “I’m trying to remodel my house, do what I gotta do. They’ve just been taking money from me ever since my house burned. They’re taking everything from me, paying a water bill here when I’m not here.”

WALB has reached out to the city of Dawson multiple times for a response but has not yet received one. Meanwhile, White said all he wants is for the charges to stop so he can focus on finishing renovations and return to living in his home.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.