A Sarasota County woman living alone in the Winds of St. Armands North community has been without running water for days after her bill skyrocketed from $50 to more than $800. Her family insists the spike is impossible given her low water usage — she lives alone, has no washing machine, and doesn’t water a lawn. They hired a licensed plumber who inspected the property and found no leaks. His conclusion? The water meter itself may be faulty.
Sarasota County, however, says the meter passed inspection and recorded over 37,000 gallons used. They have refused to restore water service until the full balance is paid. The bill has grown from the initial $600 to $800, creating a serious financial hardship for the woman who relies on Social Security. Her daughter, Maria Clayeon, says the family is stuck between a scientific reading from the county and a plumber who found nothing wrong on the property.
This story hits close to home for many in our Suncoast community, especially seniors on fixed incomes who worry about unexpected utility costs. It also raises a bigger question: when a customer has strong evidence of a possible error, who should bear the burden while the dispute is sorted out? Have you ever dealt with a utility bill you knew was wrong? Share your story with us in the comments.
