GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Households in Georgetown Township are among many around West Michigan adjusting their behavior after water rate hikes in a number of communities.
“We put our underground (sprinklers) on an every-other-day cycle, but I still have to water my garden. We will make sure those teenagers stick to short showers, but I don’t want stinky teens,” Laurie Elgersma, a Georgetown Township resident, told News 8 Tuesday. “We still have to drink water, take showers and do laundry.”
A 55% rate hike for water service in Georgetown Township was approved in June and took effect in July.
“I found out my water bill is due to be more than $700,” Elgersma, who has a family of 11, said. “Last year, it was under $400.”
Why Ottawa County is short on water and what’s being done about it
Elgersma first heard of the rate hikes on social media and took it upon herself to call the township and see where her household stood, uncovering that shocking bill increase…