Veolia cuts $8K water bill for Haverstraw church after News 12 report
Calvary Baptist Church on Clinton Street says the hidden leak late last year led to a bill totaling $8,520.37 — a dramatic increase from what church leaders say is typically a monthly water bill of about $40.
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A Haverstraw church says it has reached an affordable resolution with its water company after an underground leak caused its water bill to skyrocket into the thousands of dollars.
Calvary Baptist Church on Clinton Street says the hidden leak late last year led to a bill totaling $8,520.37 — a dramatic increase from what church leaders say is typically a monthly water bill of about $40.
“This is normally a very small bill for us,” said Wilbur Aldridge, a representative for the church. “When we saw that amount, we knew something wasn’t right.”
After contacting News 12 earlier this month, church officials say discussions with Veolia Water New York moved forward and a resolution was reached.
According to a letter from Veolia dated Jan. 9, the church qualified for a one-time leak adjustment. The company agreed to apply a $4,214.49 credit, absorbing a portion of the excess water charges tied to the underground leak.
The remaining balance is being broken into monthly payments of $117, in addition to the church’s regular monthly water usage.
Church leaders say News 12’s reporting played a key role in pushing the issue toward a resolution.
“We certainly appreciate Channel 12, because this wouldn’t have happened without you,” said Aldridge, a church leader. “They told us they would negotiate, but that wasn’t true. They were just telling us, ‘This is what you have to pay.’”
Veolia confirmed the adjustment and says customers who experience leaks may qualify for similar one-time credits if certain conditions are met.
Church officials say they are relieved the issue has been resolved and hope their experience raises awareness for other property owners who may face costly water bills caused by underground leaks that are difficult to detect.
