Prince George's County residents voice concerns over high water fees and billing practices

The WSSC Water meeting held on February 4, 2025, in Prince George's County focused on the preliminary proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, with significant discussions surrounding rising water fees and customer concerns about billing.

A key issue raised by a resident, Ms. Berry, highlighted the steep increase in her water bill, which has reportedly tripled despite no leaks being detected in her home. She expressed frustration over the county's higher fees compared to neighboring jurisdictions, noting that while other areas charge around $6 for maintenance, Prince George's County fees exceed $30. This disparity prompted questions about the rationale behind the county's pricing structure.

WSSC Water officials explained that the fees are determined through a cost of service study, which is standard practice in the industry. They clarified that the infrastructure investment fee and account maintenance fee are essential for funding infrastructure improvements and maintaining customer accounts. The last fee increase occurred in 2017, and the recent adjustments were made to ensure revenue reliability, with a 65% increase implemented to catch up with market recommendations.

Officials acknowledged the significant impact of these increases on residents, particularly in light of the pandemic's financial strain. They assured Ms. Berry that her billing concerns would be addressed by customer service, who would investigate her account for potential issues contributing to the high charges.

Additionally, the meeting addressed ongoing water main breaks and leaks in the area, with officials stating that these issues do not directly affect individual water bills, as charges are based on metered consumption. They emphasized that while larger leaks were prioritized for repair, smaller leaks would be addressed as resources became available.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges faced by WSSC Water in balancing infrastructure funding with customer affordability. As the proposed budget moves forward, officials are committed to reviewing individual billing concerns and ensuring transparency in fee structures for residents.