Kansas town seeks independent probe after 28 residents challenge water bills up to $800

A billing dispute in Kechi, Kansas, has shaken residents' confidence after 28 customers reported dramatic jumps in their water charges, including one household that got a bill for almost $800.

Here's what to know

After 28 people came forward about unexpectedly high water charges, the Kechi City Council decided to pursue an independent review, KSNW reported.

Residents pushed for that step after rejecting the city's explanations and arguing their bills did not reflect how much water they actually used.

Pamela Gearhart was among the residents who addressed the council about the unusually large amount charged to her family.

"We have an almost $800 water bill," she said.

She said her family's water use has stayed the same, and repeated checks have not turned up any leak.

According to City Administrator Matt Jensby, two of the reported spikes traced back to meter-reading and data-entry errors, while the remaining 26 accounts showed higher usage at the meter, which he said may have been partly related to hot, dry weather.

The city has said the meters seem to be functioning correctly, but officials also say they still cannot pinpoint the exact cause of each sharp increase.

More background

Jensby told the council, "We don't have any major leaks. What we are seeing when we look at all these accounts is increased usage at the meter. What is causing that increased usage, we don't know. That's what's frustrating for us, too. We just don't have the ability to find that out."

Mayor Joanie Harris said the 28 complaints likely do not capture everyone affected, telling the council, "Twenty-eight is a start. There is way more than 28 people that have this big, huge spike."

What's being done?

The city is moving toward an outside review.

Harris said Kechi expects to speak with its contracted engineering firm and is aiming to seek bids for an investigation in September.

Officials also said they plan to post more billing details online and may add a web-based option that would let customers review earlier water-use records.

Jensby said city staff will begin leaving door hangers when they notice leaks at homes.

Anyone who believes a bill is unusually high is being asked to call 316-744-9287.

In Harris's words, "It's not a speedy answer, but a step in the right direction."

Where can I learn more?

Questions like the ones coming out of Kechi have surfaced in other places, too, especially when water bills spike or officials cannot explain where the usage is coming from. Stories across the U.S. show how fast people lose confidence when utilities, companies, or local systems cannot clearly account for water use.

• In Texas, residents fought a $4,500 meter demand after threats to cut service.

• In Pennsylvania, a retiree demanded answers after losing water at home near a data center.

• In Arizona, residents pushed back as massive corporations are draining rural water supplies.

• In Utah, residents warned proposed data centers could suck water away from drought-stricken communities.

People want clear answers when they are paying more or being told to cut back, which is why Kechi residents are asking for an outside review instead of settling for more uncertainty.

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