Beverly Hills : Water Bills Soaring
Water-rate shock has hit hard, with the city receiving 6,000 inquiries about water bills in the last month.
Dan Webster, director of public works for the city, attributed the influx of calls to computer-related billing problems and residents’ unfamiliarity with stiff new penalties aimed at conserving water.
One resident testified before the City Council on Tuesday that his rates shot up from $434 for a one-month billing period in 1990 to $1,707 for the same month in 1991.
The rates that went into effect last May impose severe penalties for water use that exceeds 80% of 1989 consumption.
Residents can appeal the penalties based on various factors, including health reasons, pipe leaks or an increase in the number of people living in a residence.
Of the 1,700 customers who have requested forms to appeal charges, 700 have returned the documents to the city, Webster said.
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