LINCOLN PARK, Mich. – Lincoln Park residents are facing unexpectedly high water bills every three months, putting a significant strain on their wallets.
Many say the city isn’t providing the help they need.
“They’re lying about something. They’re ripping people off; they’re lying. Your water bill can’t go from $120 to $130 to $300, $350, like that,” said Sandra “Sandy” Sawicki, a Lincoln Park resident.
Hundreds of residents shared on social media that it doesn’t matter if you live alone or with a family of four — the bills are through the roof.
“It’s just starting to feel straining on a lot of families in Lincoln Park,” said one anonymous resident.
Sawicki, who lives on Social Security, has had to cut back on her water usage just to get by.
“I’m wearing dirty clothes all week, not taking a shower because I don’t want to run the water,” she said.
Residents say the city is not being transparent about what’s really going on.
“It feels like we get blown off or our concerns are not taken seriously,” said another anonymous resident.
Mayor Maureen Tobin responded in a letter, explaining that water bills went up last year due to rate increases and higher costs from water providers.
She added that sewer costs are high due to stringent water treatment requirements, and old, failing water meters are causing billing issues, so the city is replacing them all.
The city has invested millions in fixing leaks and upgrading infrastructure to help stabilize future rates.
But residents say they’re still dealing with problems and haven’t seen the benefits yet.
“I’m glad you’re bringing this out because they’re not listening to the people here,” Sawicki said.