Problems with Chaparral City Water Company predate its recent acquisition by EPCOR. Several years ago we received a water bill that was five times the usual amount. I phoned CCWC and was told that this must be because it was summertime and our water use had increased.
Yes, we increase water use in summer, but not fivefold! When I pointed this out, I was told that we probably had a leak.
We tested for leaks, turning off the meter at the street, running dye through toilets, etc. We found none.
“You must have a leak,” said the CCWC representative. So we brought in a leak locator, at our expense. No leak.
“Perhaps the meter was read incorrectly?” I ask the CCWC rep. “No, we don’t make mistakes,” says she. That is a direct quote.
“Well,” says I, “I make mistakes all the time – most people do – and there has been a mistake here. I don’t accept that this bill is correct and I don’t intend to pay it until things are straightened out.”
“Then we will cut off your water,” says she.
Eventually I got them to reread the meter and guess what? It had been misread. The bill was finally corrected.
My husband and I have heard similar stories from others throughout our 12 years in Fountain Hills. It’s too bad that the Town of Fountain Hills didn’t buy CCWC when it was recently available – local accountability is a good thing.
Since there is no water source for residents other than CCWC, I would like to see town administration take a more active role on residents’ behalf. The need for this is highlighted by the recent rash of questionable billing.
