NJ Woman, 89, Fights Water Bill That Claims She Used 65K Gallons in 3 Months

An 89-year-old woman is battling a bill she received from the local water company that said she used more than 65,000 gallons of water -- 60,000 gallons over her usual usage and enough to fill three pools -- over three months.

After living in the Perth Amboy home her husband built for nearly seven decades, Claire Danielczyk said the home's regular bill cycle became a burden with that one water bill.

She says the water that she drinks and uses to wash her dishes skyrocketed in cost.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing with my own eyes," said Danielczyk.

Her son was also baffled by the numbers. .

"This is her payments over the past two years: $55, $39, $47, $40, $49, $65, $67... $732. Now, where did all this water go?," said Paul Danielczyk.

The Middlesex Water Company says their investigation showed the toilet in the house has a leak, which inflated the Danielczyks' water bill in October, November and December.

The family argues that it was an error on the part of the water company.

"I don't want to pay it. I don't want to pay for something I didn't use," said the 89-year-old woman.

In a statement, the city called the situation "unfortunate" but said it worked with the family and found the bill was accurate.

Paul Danielczyk did not agree.

"I can't say it enough times. 65,000 gallons did not go through this house," he said.

The Perth Amboy City Council was expected to address the issue Wednesday evening. 

Contact Us