Wellington, Colorado faces water bill issues amid meter reading concerns

The town of Wellington, located north of Fort Collins, has faced significant scrutiny from residents regarding exorbitant water bills, with some reaching over $1,500 monthly for single-family homes. Initially, town officials attributed these high bills to excessive water usage by residents. However, recent investigations have revealed potential issues with water meter readings, prompting the town to examine anomalies in the data. A spokesperson noted that while some residents may indeed be using too much water, there are indications that meter malfunctions could be contributing to the problem. Kegel, a representative from the town, analyzed the meter readings and discovered sporadic data points that suggested inaccuracies. In an effort to validate the meters, Kegel retraced the steps of residents during periods of high usage, finding that many were not home for extended periods, which raised questions about the reported water consumption. Despite these findings, the town maintains that the majority of complaints stem from actual high usage rather than faulty meters. The investigation into the water meters has highlighted the complexities of accurately measuring water consumption, as external factors can affect meter performance. Kegel emphasized that while bench testing the meters may show them functioning correctly, it does not account for potential issues in real-world conditions. The town is committed to working with residents to identify and resolve any discrepancies in their water systems. Ultimately, Wellington acknowledges that high water bills are a pressing issue, and while some residents may be overusing water, the town is also exploring the possibility of meter-related problems to ensure fair billing practices.