METRO axed 177 mostly administrative jobs and restructured debt rather than slash rider service, but critics still question long-term repair funding.

One delinquent Houston business hasn't paid its water bill since 1997, racking up a $3.5 million debt as citywide shutoffs loom.

Humble is standardizing pipe strength on private fire mains citywide, with violators facing fines up to $2,000 a day.