March 17, 2009\r
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Edward S. Finley, Jr.\r
Chairman NCUC\r
4325 Mail Service Center\r
Raleigh, NC 27699\r
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Mr. Finley,\r
I am a resident of Mallard Crossing Subdivision. My husband and I have two daughters, one which has moved out two years ago.. We have lived in this house for the past 15 years. I just recently learned about the possibility of Aqua NC Water Company plans to request a higher water rate. When we purchased our house, we went from a $20.00 every three month City of Raleigh Water bill, (which also includes trash/recycle pickup) to $63.00 a month water only bill that summer. Now mind you, my daughter would visit my parents for the whole summer so it was only two of us in the house at the time and the bill was ridiculous. When I investigated I was told that we had a $43.00 flat sewage bill per house. I do agree that it is more expensive to buy/own a home then it is to rent. What I did not understand is that it was two-thirds hirer for the same amount of dwelling space and number of people residing in that space. My apartment was the same square footage as my house. \r
Currently our monthly water bill range from $102. - $110. per month. Even though everyone leaves home for approximately 10-12 hours, 6 times a week; now, 2009, I believe the flat sewer fee for our subdivision is $60. per month. No one or even two people would utilize the toilet to justify $60. per month sewage fee. Each year it is consistently going up and your water usage is staying the same. This is a crime. What is worse is that it is a legal crime. The government who continues to approve these ridiculous price hikes. What are they using to justify raising their rates? We do not have a meter to even measure our sewage usage. In addition, we have always and continue to have very poor water conditions. Over half of the neighborhood state that they purchase bottle water for consumption. So, tell me how or what means of justification are they using to continue being granted permission to raise the water rates.\r
If you have a leak, they have no sympathy or compassion…Just the give me my money attitude or I will turn your water off tomorrow. Yep! You heard it right at least the City bills you every three months and then you can or may have an overlap before paying your bill in full. Not Aqua its bill today and p1ay tomorrow, NO EXCEPTIONS. Which is also a huge problem since some houses were built in the mid-late 80’s when PVC piping was used, alot of us have had to replace the entire plumbing to hopefully eliminate high water bills but they just continually get the county’s approval to raise their rates.\r
When people are use to getting a modest water bill the shock that you receive moving into the neighborhood as well as the poor service you continue to receive is ridiculous. If you choose not to regulate them then at least give us an option of another water company. This is a true example being “monopolized”\r
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Agonized and broke, \r
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cc: Governor Bev Perdue\r
Cons: Water Quaility and Price
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