Trussville Homeowner's Water Bills Spark Bigger Questions for Central Alabama Water

Audit finds financial mismanagement and board infighting at utility as customers report billing issues

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Trussville homeowner's long-running billing frustrations with Central Alabama Water have put a local face on wider complaints about the utility's meter readings, customer service, and confusing transition from Birmingham Water Works. An investigation details audit findings of financial mismanagement, board infighting, and a costly settlement with the utility's former attorney, raising questions for ratepayers across the region.

Why it matters

The issues at Central Alabama Water highlight growing concerns about transparency and accountability at regional utilities, as customers grapple with rising costs and inconsistent service. The utility's struggles also come amid a broader reckoning over infrastructure investment and management in Alabama's cities and towns.

The details

The investigation found that Central Alabama Water has faced continued complaints from customers about billing issues, meter reading problems, and poor customer service since the utility was restructured and taken over by new leadership. An audit uncovered financial mismanagement, including a costly settlement with the utility's former attorney, as well as infighting among members of the utility's board of directors.

  • Central Alabama Water was restructured and taken over by new leadership in 2024.
  • The Trussville homeowner's billing issues with the utility have been ongoing since the transition.

The players

Central Alabama Water

A regional water utility that provides service to customers in the Birmingham metropolitan area, including the city of Trussville.

Birmingham Water Works

The previous water utility that served the Birmingham area before Central Alabama Water took over operations.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The investigation into Central Alabama Water's operations and customer service issues is ongoing, with regulators and local officials vowing to hold the utility accountable and seek solutions for ratepayers.

The takeaway

The problems at Central Alabama Water underscore the need for greater transparency, oversight, and customer-centric management at regional utilities, as residents across the Birmingham metro area grapple with rising costs and inconsistent service from an essential public service provider.