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Resident tells council Surprise’s water billing practice has left some condo owners facing years of extra groundwater charges
Summary
A resident reported at public comment that condominium complexes have been charged groundwater fees to Surprise for nearly four years and said affected owners face large cumulative bills; staff offered follow-up with the resident and other city representatives.
During the city council’s call to the public on April 15, a resident who identified himself as Petri, a board member at two condominium complexes, told the council that his properties have been charged groundwater and sewer fees in a way he called unfair.
Petri said the complexes—Cliffs and Springs condos—have paid about $2,000 a month in groundwater charges and approximately $4,600 a month for sewer, and he estimated the complexes had collectively paid more than $90,000 and $70,000 in overcharges respectively over a roughly four‑year period. He said he believes Surprise has been receiving groundwater that otherwise would go to El Mirage and questioned whether the state’s requirement to return one gallon per gallon pumped was being satisfied.
Councilmembers and staff acknowledged the comment and said staff (including representatives named in public reply) would follow up with the resident after the meeting; council members noted there are about 900 customers with similar concerns and encouraged the resident to discuss the issue with city and water‑district representatives.
The council did not take formal action during the meeting; staff promised follow‑up conversation with the resident and offered to connect him with city staff, Supervisor Lesko’s office and other appropriate officials for clarification of the billing arrangement and intergovernmental agreements referenced by the speaker.
