The Baltimore Public Works Department is asking the city to allow them to change the structure of water bills.
Jefferey Raymond, Chief Communications for the department, says this restructure, while adding two fees, could reduce some residents' water bills.
Raymond said the fees would pay for infrastructure fixes in the city, like water mains and sewage systems that collapse, and also pay to support administrative roles, so customers can call someone and have questions answered.
It would be a 9.9% increase in water rates and a 9% increase in wastewater charges.
Raymond says if this system is approved, starting in October, city residents will have monthly bills, instead of quarterly, and be able to see their water usage daily, thanks to updated meters.
Raymond added the new bills would only be based off of how much water each homeowner uses, taking away a pay floor.
Residents aren't so sure the new plan would be in their favor.
Aaron Bell, a Baltimore resident, said there needs to be more accurate readings in his neighborhood. "My neighbor on the left and my neighbor on the right are still getting grossly overcharged," he said.
Another resident, Thaddeus Clarke, said the city also needs to work on the quality of the water.
"I drink spring water, I don't drink the water here," Clarke said
Back in September of 2014, the city started the Baltimeter Program, where new meters were put in to create more accurate readings for customers.
Bell doesn't believe the meters are accurate currently and says the only way to fix the system is to put in a new one.
Raymond said with this change, the city would be able to provide customers with access on their phone of daily water meter readings and with that, can work with their budget.
A public hearing will be held August 31st, at 9 a.m. to discuss the possible changes.
