Residents in Wilcox County, one of Alabama’s poorest, say they are struggling to keep up with an unexpected, sharp increase in their water bills.

In Camden and nearby communities across Wilcox County, residents report that monthly charges from the Wilcox County Water and Sewer District have increased significantly, making it difficult for many to afford them.

WSFA reported that one customer, Janet Thompson, stated her bill was over $160 last month and had dropped slightly to around $137 this month, although she still considered it unmanageable.

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With many residents relying on fixed incomes, the rising costs have forced some to make difficult decisions about which utility bills to pay first.

Elizabeth Bennett, a Camden resident, said she has resorted to splitting her payments between the water and electric bills in an effort to avoid disconnection.

At a heated Water and Sewer District board meeting, residents pressed the board for an explanation. Board Chair Mattie Dennis told them the higher bills were the result of rising financial obligations, such as repaying a $3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for infrastructure improvements, covering mortgage costs for a new office building, and paying to purchase water from neighboring systems in Butler County, Dallas County, and Pine Hill.

According to WSFA, Dennis added that the district lacks sufficient water sources of its own to serve all customers, which requires purchasing additional water from outside systems.

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She also said the district had announced a town hall meeting prior to implementing the changes, posting notices at the courthouse and in the local newspaper. However, several residents said they never saw the notices and felt excluded from the decision-making process.

Charles Burrell, another Wilcox County resident, said it appeared only water department staff participated in the meeting, leaving out the broader community.

So far, the board has not indicated any intention to lower or roll back the rates, though Dennis said she would take residents’ feedback into account. The next Water and Sewer District meeting is scheduled for July 22.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].