When it comes to expensive utility payments Pennsylvania residents usually worry about $100 cable bills or $400 heating bills in the winter, a $40,000 water bill is something of a rarity though. That nightmare has become reality for one Bristol Township resident. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ruby Williams, 78, could not afford the $3,500 repair her property required months ago, which has left her water bill to the substantial amount of $41,530.49. The idea of a water leak resulting in a bill of that size raises more than a few eyebrows.
How bad was the leak?
In one month, Williams used more than enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is around 750,000 gallons. The leak was estimated to be around 16 gallons per minute, which is a substantial flow rate. Therefore Williams was being billed for more than 20,000 gallons of water a day, while average use in her area is around 4,500 gallons a month.
Why would the water company let a leak of that size go unattended?
The water company in question, Aqua Pennsylvania, has referred to legal issues. The company is not allowed to fix a leak and then send the resident a bill, unless the leak is on the companies side of the service or a few other reasons. None of which were in play due to the location of this particular leak. Williams knew about the leak, but could not afford the repair. Basically, the company cannot take action if the bill is paid on time, which has eventually caught up to the resident.
Who is going to have to pay?
Technically, Williams is on the hook for the bill. However, a social organization has stepped in to cover the cost of the repair, and has set-up a fund to collect community donations on her behalf. Aqua Pennsylvania has signed up as one of the early donors, and has stated that an adjustment to the bill will be made on Williams' behalf.
What about her sewer bill?
As many Pennsylvania residents already know, many sewer bills are calculated as percentage of water usage, which means another monster bill could be heading out to compound the financial headache. However, Bucks County Consumer Protection Director Mike Bannon stated he believes that particular bill can be handled ahead of time. At least, something good is coming out of what is a crazy situation.
Jason Gallagher is a long-time Pennsylvania resident. He has experiences in trends and developments in many regions from having lived in many parts of the Keystone State, and currently resides in the Pittsburgh Area.
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