Kansas City Woman Fights High Water Bills Amid Possible Infrastructure Issues
Kansas City, Mo. — A local resident is speaking out about her ongoing struggle with sky-high water bills, which she believes may stem from a long-standing *infrastructure issue* in her neighborhood. Janice Meade, who has called the area near E. 57th Street and Jackson Avenue home for over 31 years, says she suspects a broken pipe has been dragging her monthly bills through the roof.
Years of Overcharging?
Meade claims she has been overcharged by the Kansas City Water Department for at least five years. “My house is not big at all,” she expressed, pointing out that both she and her son live in a cozy, one-story home with just one bathroom. Despite this, she reports monthly water bills ranging from $160 to $200, which seems excessive for her household’s needs.
According to Meade, her water usage has been recorded at nearly 4,500 gallons last month, with a whopping 6,000 gallons the month prior. “That don’t even make any sense,” she said. “When I can’t even wash in my house! Everything is fixed. Nothing is leaking. I don’t have a swimming pool!” After all, she is often out of the house, working six days a week. So, where is all the water going?
Taking Action
In April, Meade took action and repaired a *busted pipe* in her front yard, hoping it would alleviate the issue. Yet, her water bill remained high. Last month, she even hired a professional to investigate but was informed that no leaks were found. Feeling frustrated and confused, she looked for answers on her street, where she noticed water gushing out from the pavement right outside her house.
What’s Going On?
In the face of her rising bills, Meade believes the issues at the street level might be adding to her troubles. But KC Water has a different perspective. They stated, “*Infrastructure that is not directly connected to a customer’s water meter has no impact on water usage measurements.*” According to their information, the water meter alone should be reflecting the home’s actual consumption, ensuring that only what is directly connected to the meter counts is tallied in the customer’s readings.
Just Wanting Fairness
Despite this explanation, Meade remains skeptical and feels like she is being charged for water she isn’t using. “They should give me my money back. For everything!” she pleaded, expressing a strong desire to see fair billing practices in place. “I haven’t been using all this water, so please reimburse me.”
KC Water’s Response
While KC Water cannot comment specifically on individual accounts, they have stated they are *working with Meade* to address her concerns. Many residents like Meade are hoping for clarity in their water billing issues and a solution to the infrastructure problems that may be affecting their monthly expenses.
A Community Concern
Meade’s story shines a light on a broader concern shared by others in Kansas City who have encountered similar water billing issues. As urban centers grow and *infrastructure ages*, residents are increasingly aware of the importance of accurate utility billing and the need for transparency in utility management. One thing is for sure—Janice Meade and many others are determined to get answers and fair treatment from their water providers.
