UPDATE (4/5): Edcouch city manager Hugo De La Cruz told CHANNEL 5 NEWS over 40% of water meters in the city were not being or were manipulated. 

We learned an investigation into a similar issue from three years ago was never closed. 

The Texas Rangers and the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office are looking into the meter issue. 

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EDCOUCH – The new Edcouch city manager has launched an internal investigation on his own city after discovering over $600,000 worth of money may never be recovered.

Over 40% of the city’s water readings are not being read or they’re being manipulated and it’s impacting homeowners.

Edcouch city manager Hugo De La Cruz says he found 260 of the meters are not being read and 200 accounts are being manipulated.

"For all these years the city's been losing on those funds and those funds are the life line of any municipality," explains De La Cruz.

Some homeowners have been given the bare minimum rate of $59 for the past five years.

KRGV’s John Paul Barajas explains De La Cruz believes other accounts are being charged extra and is planning to reach out to the Texas Rangers, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney to help look into the matter.

Watch the video above for the full story.