What water people? The guy who reads the meter? Someone else?
Who is "they?"
How did they inform your uncle? In writing, citing an authority for their assertions? Or just sayso?
I think a little pushback by your uncle is in order since he is owner of the proper. I suggest he demand something in writing from someone in authority who can cite some authority for what they are telling him, lest it just be a ploy to get another water customer or some bureaucrat puffing out his chest.
The Texas Public Utility Commission might also be some help.
http://www.puc.texas.gov/

