Speaking as a senior living predominantly on disability, like countless others in our community, unreasonably high water charges are an alarming burden. We live in a city with a high senior population, and these high costs disproportionately affect us.

Unfortunately, the issue extends beyond our unique situations as individuals. Excess charges are latched onto our water bills, which noticeably inflates what we initially expected to pay. This burden is distressing to those of us on fixed incomes who don't have the financial flexibility to deal with these unforeseen expenses.

According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), water bills have increased by 31% in 30 major U.S. cities between 2010 and 2015 – and are likely to rise further (source: AWWA, 2015 Report). With inflation, we are paying for much more than just water. We are left wondering, are we not entitled to affordable, clean, and accessible water?

We are not asking for free services. We are advocating for reasonable and fair charges. We call upon our city officials to examine the extra costs added to our water bills, and consider ways of reducing them for the betterment of us all.

Please, sign this petition to make our voices heard, and demand fair and equitable water charges for our city.