For one family in Western Maryland, higher water costs are reshaping ordinary routines, from baths to loads of laundry. Jared and Liz Morgan are raising their family on the property where Jared spent his childhood, keeping hens, cattle, and a few donkeys as they work to preserve a way of life tied to their land.
But as water and sewer charges have climbed, the Morgans began cutting back. Their children bathe less often. Jared mostly showers at work. Liz Morgan — who tends the farm and works in a hospital pharmacy — showers once every seven days.
Despite the cutbacks, they have faced as much as $300 a month for water.
The Bigger Picture
The Morgans are not alone. Other residents have faced similar issues, with some postponing laundry and reducing day-to-day water use because the bills have risen beyond what many households can comfortably afford.
Some residents have seen monthly charges as high as $1,000. The charges are legal. The communities of Bel Air and Pinto get their water from a privately owned utility. The rates assigned by the utility, which have doubled since four years ago, were approved by state regulators.
Although the previous owner of the Bel Air water system, Nexus Water Group, said factors beyond the utility’s control were responsible for the sharp increases, local families are still feeling the financial strain.
The Human Cost
Despite local officials pledging to find solutions, more people are uprooting their lives to escape the costs. Betty Shircliff, a resident in Pinto, told The Banner she took two jobs to cover rising water bills in her trailer park. She used bottled water, showered at her parents’ home, and used a laundromat.
Despite the drastic rationing, it was not enough. Shircliff and her family moved out after 20 years. The last bill they received was more than $1,000 for their water.
The Bottom Line
A Western Maryland family is rationing baths and delaying laundry as water bills soar to $300 a month and beyond. Some residents have faced $1,000 monthly charges from a privately owned utility with state-approved rates. Despite cutbacks, families like the Shircliffs have been forced to move after 20 years. Local officials are seeking solutions, but the financial strain continues.
