Meter Changes Lead to Skyrocketing Water Bills, Leaving Fort Mill Residents Baffled
Residents of Fort Mill, South Carolina, are grappling with notably high water bills following the recent change of meters by York County Water & Sewer. The modification has not only left households perplexed but also deep in discussions with the county officials over surging bills far from the norm.
Surprising Bill Details
Among those affected are Ali and Benji Sheehan, who reside in the Baxter neighborhood of Fort Mill. The couple expressed their shock over the drastic upsurge in their monthly water bill. They pointed out that their usage has remained the same and there wasn’t any significant change in their household that would justify the sudden increase from $30 to an aggressive $600 quote. After a string of conversations with the county, their bill was adjusted from the initial quote to $167.
A similar experience was shared by another Baxter neighborhood resident, Brian Barger, who was stunned to receive a $300 water bill for a single month – a cost three times higher than average. Upon reviewing a usage report, he found that his household had supposedly used 2,500 gallons of water in one day, a consumption level he finds inexplicable.
County’s Response
When residents have reached out to York County Water & Sewer over these concerns, many have been met with the suggestion that they might have a leak. Ali Sheehan voiced her frustration at this response, stating that it seemed like a default reaction. She added that they were even advised to hire a plumber or irrigation specialist to assess and possibly fix non-existent leaks.
York County Metro’s Stance
In their official statement, York County Water and Sewer emphasized that the concerns about high usage billing are not a county-wide issue. They noted that these incidents are better reviewed on an individual basis and invite customers to contact them directly to evaluate and address any discrepancies. The county is currently in the process of replacing all meters in the service areas with new ones they purport offer more accurate water usage readings. This change, they claim, could result in higher bills for certain customers.
Prompting Action
While the county is assuring that it will address the concerns, the residents are urging each other to check their bills and compare them with the previous usage. Many hope that the issue gets clarified soon so that they can continue with their daily lives without the additional financial burden and confusion.
Looking Ahead
As the county continues to switch out old meters, residents will be keeping a close eye on their water bill in the coming months. If this trend continues, more residents in other areas might find themselves facing similar concerns, thus making this an issue that needs a swift and fair resolution.
