Editor's Corner
HIGHER WATER BILLS IN 2001
DUE TO SEWER RATE INCREASE
We have received a number of calls from neighbors in Midtown complaining about high water bills they have been receiving lately.
There are a couple of reasons behind this sudden increase. To begin with United Water took it upon themselves to increase the water pressure in some neighborhoods without any advance notice. Increased water pressure accelerates water consumption which results in higher water bills. In one case, it was reported and verified that pipes were busted due to increased water pressure. It is suggested that you call a plumber to check the water pressure in your house. He can turn it down if it is too high. However, this is only part of the problem.
The other part lies with the sewer charges which are based on your water consumption and they are attached to your water bill. The sewer rate last year was \\$2.29 per 100 cubic feet (CCF). Beginning November 1, 2000 the rate went up to $3.31 per CCF thus contributing to an even higher water bill. This was the final increase of a three-step increase voted and approved by the City of Atlanta on
March 7, 1997.
Mayor Campbell in his final State of the City speech last Tuesday enumerated the several accomplishments achieved by his administration, among which was the renovation of a dilapidated 80-year-old sewer system and several wastewater treatment plants. Frankly, this was a federally mandated requirement from Washington, D.C., demanding that billions of dollars be invested for the environmental improvement of the waterways of Atlanta. Mayor Campbell had no choice but to abide with this mandate and we, the residents, are dearly paying for it.
For any information or questions you may have relating to your water bill, you can call the Customer Service at 404-658-6500 or you can write to: United Water Services of Atlanta, City Hall South, 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30335-0330.
James C. Stathis
Guest Editor
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