Residents of this Florida city shocked by dramatic increase in water bills

GROVELAND, Fla – People living in Groveland were stunned to see their water bills seemingly increase overnight.

The city says the increase was planned and approved, but residents who spoke to FOX 35 say they were not prepared for the high fees now being charged.

One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said her water bill was higher than her electricity bill this month.

Another resident, Laurie Ward, expressed shock at her November bill.

“I don’t think anyone should have to pay that much,” Ward said.

She said she owed the city $75.38 for her use in October. For November, however, her bill rose to $144.82, an increase of 92.1%.

“If things are going up all the time, whether it’s property taxes or water bills, I can’t afford to live here,” Ward said.

Several other residents also reported skyrocketing bills.

One neighbor paid $102.61 in October, but now owes $242.67 for November – a 136.5% increase. Another resident said their bill for October was $107.78, but rose to $252.11 in November, a 133.9% increase.
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“I can’t imagine people with a lot of kids having to do laundry, shower and bath and all that every day,” Ward added.

The City of Groveland confirmed to FOX 35 that this was the first water bill increase in a decade. The city council approved a 40% interest rate increase on August 12, which took effect on October 1.

As for the higher bills?

City officials say it could be related to excessive water use by households.

“If you start using way too much, you start paying a lot more per gallon. That’s the conservation element of this new rate structure: If you use a lot, you’re going to pay a lot,” said TJ Fish, director of transportation. and Public Works.

However, Ward insists her household water habits have not changed.

“There’s nothing else – the same thing every day, just my husband and I. We don’t add extra water to the grass or anything else, so there’s just nothing,” she said.

Her neighbor, Michelle Greco, echoed similar frustrations, noting that her water usage has not increased.

“I’m a single person living in a house. There’s not that much water in the world. I’ve been doing the same thing every day for 50 years,” Greco said.

If you are having trouble paying your water bill, the city encourages residents to contact them for a payment plan. Additionally, if you believe there may be a problem with your water meter, the city encourages you to contact us so the problem can be investigated.

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