PACIFIC GROVE, Calif - More reports of outrageous water bills are emerging and California American Water continues to say leaks are the problem. At the same time, the company recently revamped its water rate system so leaks can become ridiciously expensive.
By expensive, we mean thousands of dollars. The new system is supposed to penalize people who use lots of water (i.e. pools, multiple fountains, etc.). However, if you use a lot of water unintentionally because of a leak, it will show on your bill. Such as the Carmel Valley Couple whose bill was over $8,000 dollars.
We talked to Catherine Bowie from Cal Am and she said, "The consequence of [the new rate design] is if you have a water leak, your usage is so far beyond what you've been allocated that you will spiral into those higher tiers and wind up with a bill that is hundreds or thousands more than you're used to."
Cal Am says it has given customers memos warning about the new system, but many people did not get the message.
Also, all Cal Am customers should expect their bills to double in the next four to five years regardless of whether their homes have leaks. The company is planning two projects totalling $350,000,000.
The first is a Desalination Plant, where seawater will be filtered into usable water. That project costs $300,000,000. The second is a dam in Carmel River, which will cost $50,000,000. Both projects are scheduled to start in 2014 if they are passed by the California Public Utilities Commission.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your water bill, you should call Cal Am immediately. You can also call the California Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-649-7570.
Submitted by Candice Nguyen, Central Coast News
