Water customers drowning in bills

WAUCHULA - The battle between some Hardee County residents and their water utility is beginning to boil over.

People in Wauchula are in a water war of sorts with Aqua Utilities Florida over skyrocketing bills.

Residents say they've seen their bills double, triple or even more, and can't pay them.

Some have had their water cut off, like resident Fred Berry. When he couldn't pay his bill, Aqua Utilities shut his water off, and he is now getting water from his next door neighbor. It's an arduous trip, because Berry is in a wheelchair.

"It's rough, very rough," he said.

One by one, Berry's neighbors are beginning to have their water cut off as well.

Mattie Daniels became irate when we asked her what she would do if the water company cut hers.

"I am going to go out and cut it back on," she said. "Take a pair of wire pliers and turn it…you can't live without water."

A company spokeswoman for Aqua says the company has spent a lot of money to bring the system up to speed, and it's just trying to re-coup its investment.

The Florida Public Service Commission says it is looking into the situation.