9 Investigates

9 investigates: Charlotte water rates may be going up

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Customers across Mecklenburg County are fed up with their water bills.

Channel 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke took their concerns to the head of Charlotte Water -- and found that those rates may be going up even higher.

Charlotte Water director Barry Gullet told Stoogenke that rates are probably going to be higher soon.

"I don't have a number yet. But that long-term model does predict rate increases going forward," he said.

This comes at a time when customers across the county have been complaining about their water bills, feeling that the rates are already too high.

Carole Zielske realized she used $7.90 in water, but her total bill was more than $68. That's because of sewer usage ($22.55), water fees ($7.42), sewer fees ($11.84) and storm a water fee ($11.28).

Zielske even vented about her bill on social media, calling it outrageous.

When Stoogenke said he would come and speak with her about the situation, she got a group of neighbors together. She wants people to speak out, especially now, before rates go up.

"If you're going to complain and you're not going to take action, you're just going to sit at home and gripe, gripe, gripe, well that's what you're going to end up with are big bills," Zielske said.

Sonia Salas was surprised to see her water bill was in the hundreds.

"It's not a luxury you're buying, like a Maserati,” she said. “It's a utility bill of water. I mean, this shouldn't be as high."

How Charlotte compares

Stoogenke compared Charlotte's water rates with those in other cities. The average water/sewer bill in the Queen City is $60, which is about the same as Durham and Houston.

Dallas, Denver, Greensboro and Tampa are all less expensive, on average, while Atlanta, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Raleigh are more expensive.

"Most cities across the whole country are experiencing increasing water and sewer rates," Gullet said.

Charlotte is no exception. After all, it's trying to keep up with growth and aging pipes. Plus, Gullet said the county needs a new wastewater treatment plant.

The cost: more than $150 million.

"If we had our druthers, we'd give the water away, but we still have to pay the bills," he said.

Voice Your Opinion

If you want to speak out about this issue, now's the time.

Charlotte City Council has the final say on the rates each year, and it's just starting that process now. Make sure you email or call your City Council member.

TIMELINE:

  • March: Charlotte Water works with Charlotte's city manager to refine rates
  • April: Charlotte Water presents proposed rates at Charlotte City Council budget workshops. Charlotte City Council gives feedback and Charlotte Water refines proposal
  • May: Charlotte city manager includes Charlotte Water rates in his full budget
  • June: Charlotte City Council votes
  • July: New rates take effect

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