Water bills skyrocketed without warning, Wilcox County residents say
CAMDEN, Ala. (WSFA) — Residents in one of Alabama’s poorest counties say they’re being overwhelmed by sudden and unexplained spikes in their water bills.
People living in Camden and surrounding areas in Wilcox County say their monthly charges from the Wilcox County Water and Sewer District have significantly increased, leaving many struggling to pay.
“Last month, my water bill was 160-something,” said water customer Janet Thompson, “This month it was like 137.”
Many in the area live on fixed incomes and say the unexpected increase is forcing them to choose between utilities.
“I have to pay a little bit here and pay on my light bill just to try to keep my water on,” said Elizabeth Bennett, a Camden resident.
During a tense Water and Sewer District board meeting, residents demanded answers. Board Chair Mattie Dennis explained that the higher bills are due to increasing financial obligations, including a more than $3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to upgrade infrastructure, mortgage payments for a new building, and the cost of purchasing water from nearby systems in Butler County, Dallas County, and Pine Hill.
“The district does not have enough water sources within the district to supply water to all our customers,” Dennis said.
Dennis also said the district provided notice of a town hall meeting before the changes were carried out. That notice, she said, was posted on courthouse doors and published in a local newspaper, but some residents claim they were never informed and feel shut out of the decision-making process.
“Only people involved in the meeting were the ones working in the water department,” said Charles Burrell, a Wilcox County resident.
The board has not announced any plans to reverse or reduce the rates, but Dennis said she would consider their comments and concerns.
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