Maryland Family Struggles with $1,000 Water Bills

In Western Maryland, Jared and Liz Morgan are experiencing significant financial strain due to rising water bills, which have reached as high as $300 a month, with some residents facing charges of $1,000. To cope, the Morgans have rationed their water usage; their children bathe less frequently, Jared showers at work, and Liz showers only once a week.

The Morgans are not alone in this struggle, as other families in the communities of Bel Air and Pinto have also reduced their water usage and delayed laundry due to the high costs. The water and sewer charges have doubled over the past four years and are set by a privately owned utility, Nexus Water Group, with rates approved by state regulators.

Local officials have pledged to find solutions, but many families, like Betty Shircliff, have been forced to move after years of living in the area due to the financial burden of the water bills.