Residents upset about water rates possibly going up more than 80 percent

SUN CITY, AZ - A water fight is brewing in Surprise over concerns that water bills could nearly double by the end of the year.

The water company Arizona American Water wants a rate increase of 82 percent to pay for things like upgrades and repairs.

Some of them have already been built and paid for. But in an area filled with senior citizens, many of them with fixed incomes, it’s a tough sell. Some call it criminal.

“It’s a bailout,” said one resident.

“We don’t need this outrage in our community,” said another.

Several hundred seniors packed a ballroom Monday night to speak their minds to the Corporation Commission.

Commissioners will have to decide if the rate increase is warranted. Three members were at last night's meeting.

“I am outraged at this ill time and ill conceived rate request,” said Sharon Wolcott.

She read a statement saying the increase will have a ripple effect from homes, to homeowners associations and businesses in an area that is already suffering from the bad economy.

A water bill of $50 could go up to $90 under the plan.

City officials also oppose the increase. They asked residents to attend Sunday night's meeting in force.

They also agreed to intervene in this situation, meaning city officials will take an active roll in future Corporation Commission meetings to beat back the rate increase.

A decision should come sometime this Fall.