Published Tuesday, April 08, 2008 8:17 AM
Updated Tuesday, April 08, 2008 8:18 AM

 

Water bill increase unwelcome

Dear Editor:

I have learned that Berkeley County is considering raising water rates to about $78 per month.  I am currently paying about $56 a month, and this is the most I have paid for water in my entire life.

I am retired, and live on a fixed income, and conserve in every way possible.

I use very little water, yet pay what I consider to be an exorbitant amount for the privilege of drinking water in this country. My water bill, in spring and fall months, is almost as much as all my other utilities combined.

I moved down here from a five person household in North Carolina, and my water bill there was about $20 less monthly than it is here, with only me in the house. Ff the water bill does go up to $78 monthly, regardless of use, this is how it will impact me:

• My monthly water bill will be about 1/4 of what I pay for my mortgage (I bought my house three years ago).  As a matter of fact, my taxes and water bill combined will equal half of my mortgage.  

• I will be paying more for water than I will for food, and I eat well, at a robust 205 pounds.

• My water bill will cost the same as my driving my Ford Focus 800 miles per month.

I, fortunately, am relatively well off, compared to some people my age.  Consider the fact that there are numerous people in this county, living alone, on social security, and that their water bill may be 1/10 of their monthly income.

I assume that the water we use is local, since there are numerous lakes and rivers in the area.  Or, maybe, we import it from Saudi Arabia, and that’s why it is so expensive.

Please, have someone explain to me why I should pay more for the little water I use than I do for the food I eat.

 

Art Skibbe

Moncks Corner