Buffalo, NY – The company that run the city of Buffalo's water system has been cracking down on delinquent customers.
American Water Systems reports 377 city properties had their service turned off during December, compared to 20 in December 2002.
The city is owed $12.5 million in overdue bills, late fees and penalties.
"It's an escalating problem. Unless you stay on top of it, it just gets out of control," James Campolong, project manager for American Water Services, told the Buffalo News.
But he said the company will not turn off water service if a delinquent customer works to establish a payment plan.