Conway residents say they’ve seen triple increase in water bills
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) — The Conway community says their water bills have spiked despite claims that water habits remain the same.
Several people WMBF spoke with say their water payment on their recent bill from the city increased by double or nearly triple.
“I received my bill last week in the mail,” Conway resident Jim Bennett said. “I was shocked to see it not only the amount had tripled up to $143 which normally my water bill is like $50 a month.”
Others also spoke out about a similar situation.
“My original bill was in the $25 range, and now I see bills as high as 45,” Conway resident James McNair said.
Several people have also expressed their frustrations on social media.
“It was crazy,” said resident Jane Cologna. “And then when I went on, there’s a Conway Facebook page, and I saw that there’s many, many people who have the same problem.”
The situation has left many people questioning why their bill went up, despite many saying they haven’t used water excessively.
“I’d like a reasonable explanation, you know, from them and I want my water bill to go back down,” resident Susan Canterbury said. “I don’t even water my lawn. I don’t have a pool; I don’t have a jacuzzi.”
The city told WMBF in a statement that there is no single explanation that applies to every person seeing an increase in their bill. There could be different factors contributing, or a combination of them.
However, council member William Goldfinch told WMBF there may be a possible reason.
“But it’s the fact the City of Conway, we purchase our water from Grand Strand Sewer and Water Authority, and they raised our rates; you know, it forces us to pass that additional expense onto the user, our consumer, our constituents here in Conway,” Goldfinch said.
Increased fees are equally perplexing to some who have been decreasing their water usage.
Bennett, who lives by himself, said his water usage fee jumped by over double.
“We’re experiencing a water shortage, so I haven’t been watering my lawn; I’m not taking anymore showers,” Bennett said. “I just don’t know how I can more than double the usage of my water. But in any event, the bill still needs to be paid; I need my water.”
Others also feel that water line leaks are not a factor.
”Well, I don’t think all of us have leaks in our water,” Cologna said.
The city advises those affected to reach out so they can review customer accounts, billing periods, and water usage.
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