Residents of Adams County voiced their frustrations during a recent government meeting regarding the rising costs and quality of water service since Great River Water Company took over in August 2022. Denise Smith highlighted the alarming frequency of boil water notices, stating that the community has experienced 10 to 15 such alerts in the past month alone. She expressed concerns about the safety of the water, noting that residents are now forced to purchase bottled water while still paying high utility bills.

Evelyn Gilliam, a senior resident, echoed these sentiments, revealing that her water bill has skyrocketed, often exceeding her power bill. She described the challenges of maintaining her garden due to the increased costs associated with watering, which have forced her to abandon her sprinkler system in favor of manual watering methods. Gilliam criticized the company's lack of transparency regarding rate increases, which have reportedly tripled for many customers without prior warning.

Both speakers called for an investigation into Great River's financial practices, questioning whether the company is adequately funded to provide reliable service. They urged local officials to scrutinize the company's operations and consider refunds or credits for affected customers. The meeting underscored a growing discontent among residents over water service management and the urgent need for accountability from utility providers.