ALEXANDRIA, Tenn. (WTVF) — You were probably charged for something by mistake. Hopefully you got a credit and it didn’t happen again.

In Alexandria, a small town in DeKalb County, residents receive water bills of $200, $300, or even $400 without even turning on the faucet very often.

When we heard about this, we took our concerns to the mayor’s office and to the state for answers.

Maybe there is a leak?

I found out that a citizen complaint to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is now leading, for better or worse, to the State Department investigating the water problems.

Residents like Sherry Tubbs are excited to find out what they find out. She has been paying astronomical bills for months.

“$424,” she said of a bill from last year. “I paid that out of my own pocket. I cleaned cars. Literally. I have a friend who rents cars. I asked if I could clean cars for a week and they let me do it.”

The average water bill in Tennessee is about $40.

With cats, dogs and three grandchildren under one roof, Tubbs expects bills to be high, but not so disparate. She says she’s had trouble getting anyone at Alexandria City Hall or the water district to explain the bill to her. The same goes for the water quality in her home and in the city. Often, the water from her faucets is cloudy and brown.

TDEC said it is working with Alexandria authorities to troubleshoot problems with the water system and identify areas that need to be flushed. TDEC officials said they could not speculate on potential costs.

“I feel like the money is going somewhere. Where is all the money going?” Tubbs said.

On August 1, a new mayor was elected in Alexandria. She told us that she had called an emergency meeting to get things in order at the water plant.

Do you have concerns about your water quality or your water bill? Send an email to [email protected]

She is over 80 and almost blind. Woman from Franklin continues to crochet for those in need

“Here’s a great story that proves that everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms. Sylvia Mooney. At 80 years old, she is not sitting still. Instead, she is using her skills to create compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet work goes to nonprofits to help our homeless neighbors. You might be surprised to know that she manages to do all of this while battling a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston