Jane Findarle: Water bill goes from $63 to $217; how is that fair?

Thank you city of Modesto. I have lived in my home since 1978. Last month water meters were installed. According to a letter I received today, my bill will go from its current flat rate of $63.55 to $217.25! This is based upon my usage and a “base charge for maintenance and upkeep.” What the ...?

I’m retired. So my one load of laundry per week and running my dishwasher twice a month causes this increase? Oh wait, I do water twice a week – not enough to keep anything alive, by the way. Is anyone else affected or outraged by this increase? No wonder the city of Modesto is in such bad shape and everyone is leaving the area. This is an increase of at 341 percent in one month! Wish my retirement check would go up that much.

This story was originally published October 12, 2016 at 6:42 PM with the headline "Jane Findarle: Water bill goes from $63 to $217; how is that fair?."