UNITY ‑ A social media post Oct. 14 questioning the increase in some residents’ water bills, quickly prompted 122 responses.
While some residents maintained their water bill had not changed or had changed only slightly, others were announcing surprising increases of $100 or more and doubled or drastically increased bills with no known reason. One resident noted an 88 per cent increase.
Frustration boiled over in the responses alluding to a glitch the town needs to investigate.
Mayor Del Frari maintains the old meters were not reading properly. However, some residents quickly asked why the increase is noticeable only now when the new meters were installed last November, December and January, and significant changes should have been noticed long before now.
With the prolonged drought experienced this spring and summer, many residents were questioning as to how this was even possible considering lawn watering was almost nonexistent.
In a response to these posts, Mayor Del Frari says, “Consider the average adult will use 2,000 gallons or nine cubic meters of water over three months. Two adults equal 18 cubic meters. Children under 15 average 4.5 cubic meters. If you have an RO system add 3,000 gallons or 14 cubic meters. If you have a water softener, add 200 gallons or nine cubic meters.”
Concern that perhaps some of the newly installed meters were not calibrated properly or there is a mechanical issue has been expressed. Nonetheless, problem resolution rarely comes from Facebook and those with concerns are encouraged to call the town office for clarification.
Mayor Del Frari tells the Press-Herald, “Town staff have been very helpful addressing those concerns and questions as they have come in.”
The mayor often reminds residents either in reports in this paper or online that any resident who has questions or concerns regarding town matters is encouraged to contact the town office or a councillor.
