Sewer Charges

For years our water bills have had a sewer surcharge of about 80%, and this was assessed on the basis that about two-thirds of the water used went into the sewer.

Look at your water bill last month. My bill was $71.78 for water, $127.64 for sewer. (Water usage--4,200 cubic feet in 1997, 4,900 cubic feet in 1996; sewer usage--5,600 cubic feet.) Forget the dollar amount; it is impossible for sewer usage to be greater than water usage. I called DWP.

“The sewer charge for the rainy season is now based on 100% of the delivered water going into the sewer and the amount of water delivered is not related to what you used this year. It is what you used last year. Call 1-800-540-0952 for the formula.”

I did, and was told that although 1996 usage was 4,900 cubic feet, at some point I must have used 5,600 cubic feet, so I was charged for 5,600. “Your councilman voted for this; call him.”

JEFFREY BRUCE

Los Angeles