At least eight residents of the Spanish Lakes neighborhood are fighting water bills in excess of $1,000 dollars, according to the Spanish Lakes Utility Director.
Director Alfredo Camacho said an unknown number of other residents were also given excessive bills hundreds of dollars higher than usual. Camacho calls the situation “highly suspect” and has informed a nightly citizens patrol to be watchful of anyone suspicious coming on to the property. He says water usage for residents in the community averages between 4,000 and 10,000 gallons per quarter.
Residents aren’t so sure the water is being stolen or if there is a meter or billing error. They do not know what is going on. Neither does the utility district, representative’s claim. Teresa Rambo’s water bill for the quarter said she used 190,000 gallons of water, costing her more than $3,600. “This is a stupid bill,” said Rambo, Some are already checking their meters daily.
Several residents are obtaining pro bono legal help. Camacho says he has not notified police, but says residents can make a call themselves if they’re concerned their water is being stolen.
