WSA bills have neither rhyme nor reason
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In response to your article on May 14, I would like to add my experience with the Water and Sanitation Authority.
To begin, it was horrible.
I moved to Fauquier County in 2000 being a Loudoun native. I lived in the Town of Warrenton and moved a little further out in 2004 to enjoy the open fields and country aspect of Fauquier. My water bill fluctuated constantly, reaching $100 at times.
I was astounded. I called WSA numerous times and asked how could this be happening. We have a septic and community well. In town, our house was even larger and the water bill was much less $20 to $30 for a family of three at that time.
Now we are in a smaller house and have four people in the family.
The WSA, about a year ago or more, started charging consumers an additional fee if they went over what WSA felt was a reasonable amount of water usage.
I about had a heart attack when I received a bill with this charge.
I started talking to my neighbors who have equivalent family sizes and homes and began comparing my bill/usage with theirs. It seemed like we were all over the place in terms of bill amount.
I called and asked the WSA to, come out and check for a leak. They claimed they did but I never saw them, and I asked they to come to tell me they are looking. I also asked that the next time they come to read the meter they let me know so we can see if there is a problem.
I was a real pain in their side at least to the receptionist for a couple of months. To say the least we still use the same amount of water — nothing has changed. We have the same appliances, same husband and kids, but now the bill is $25 to $35 a month. Maybe the water saving ghost has come to town.
Also, as far as the WSA saying it is responsible "from the meter out," well, they are not being totally truthful.
My friend had her home damaged recently after the WSA made a mistake in water pressure adjustments and her hot water heater exploded, ruining all of the hardwood floors and putting them in a hotel for nearly a week.
WSA did acknowledge that was their fault.
Finally, it is my strong opinion that WSA is extremely unresponsive and includes themselves in a government hierarchy passing the buck and letting customers fall into neverland and saying pay your bill or we will cut your water off.
What are the rights of consumers to dispute a WSA bill while continuing to be provided with water?
Angela Castaldy
Lee District
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