Letter to Water/Sewer Customers

After reading the letter again, I don't quite understand why I have a past due amount of $16.44 on my Sept bill. It sure seems like the rates have really taken a hike lately and no extra value that I can see. Additionally, in August I had a toilet leak which was not detected until I saw my usage on the bill. For the extra cost, is there some help you can provide in those type of situations? Some kind of flag and then a phone call or something would be helpful. Toilet leaks seem to be common and silent until the damage has been done.

Good Ms. Boyles,

Thank you for your question. The past due amount on your September bill is the adjustment from the August bill. This is a result of the rates changing back to the original structure effective July 1, 2010. Although, your comsupmtion for July and August was considerably higher than your average usage over the last twelve months. Of course, you have discovered the leak and the increase in consumption is understandable. If you will provide your plumber's evaluation and invoice I can assist you with the comsumption mitigation due to the leak. That will not be a problem. Again, thank you and have a good day.

Michele Reapsmith

I just wish I could understand the quality segment. Is the tap water in Harrisburg safe? My dog was just diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is supposed to be extremely rare in labs (especially one that is only middle-aged). I can't help but wonder if the tap water had anything to do with it. But for the very least, I just wish the reports had "layman" terms. The letter is almost pointless if you cannot understand it.

Ms. Andrea,

Your water is safe to drink. Our water consistently exceeds current EPA and State standards for drinking water. Although, I am sympthetic to your situation, I cannot equate the drinking water with the stated issue. I will give you the link to the water quality report where all known contaminants are reported and the link for the EPA for lead and copper information. Please copy the links into your browser to view information. Thank you for your feedback.

Water quality report: http://www.harrisburgnc.org/Portals/0/Public%20Works/2009%20Town%20CCR.pdf

EPA LEad and Copper: http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm