For years, the residents of Grants Pass have been subjected to unjust and exorbitant water fees imposed by the Grants Pass Irrigation District (GPID). As a resident myself, I’ve witnessed the financial burden this places on individuals and families. This year alone, the fee is approximately $267 from May through September, with many residents receiving little to no water in return. We are bewildered hostages to a system that not only takes our money without proper service but punishes us if we resist. Those who can't afford these fees or refuse to pay are slapped with liens against their property. Additionally, opting out of this corrupt system is not free; it costs $800. This is not only unfair, it is outright extortion.

Many of us have experienced neglect and abuse from the GPID. For instance, due to their negligence, I was once called evasive for not knowing the location of their broken gate valve and subsequently labeled a liar. Attempts to hold them accountable are met with closed doors, literally. When we tried to reach out for clarification and assistance, instead of addressing our concerns, they locked us out, closing their doors to our grievances. These actions are not just frustrating, they are corrupt.

The shocking reality is that there is often no water delivered to us. In a community where many depend on water for essential uses, this is unacceptable. Countless individuals are aware of the ongoing malpractice, but so far no one has taken a stand to represent the townspeople. It seems as though the voices of the residents are being drowned in the very absence of the resource they are paying for.

Despite a town-wide recognition of this issue, legal recourse is practically non-existent because lawyers cite 'conflict of interest' concerns when we seek their help. This leaves many of us feeling helpless and trapped in a cycle of extortion. We cannot continue to endure these unfair business practices that only serve to line the pockets of the irrigation district, all the while leaving us without the essential service we’re paying for.

We are calling upon local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the GPID’s practices and to implement accountability measures that ensure fair treatment for all residents. We demand a reevaluation of these unreasonable fees and a transparent, efficient service that delivers actual water to its users.

It's time for a change. Please stand with us by signing this petition to end the corrupt practices of the Grants Pass Irrigation District and to fight for a fair water system that serves its community. Together, we can hold them accountable and push for necessary reforms.