NATCHEZ, Miss. – Adams County supervisors said they’re backing Morgantown residents in their complaints about water service provided by the private company that covers the area.
While the county board has no regulatory power over the Missouri-based water company, supervisors noted the Mississippi Public Service Commission does.
“We stand with you,” Supervisor Warren Gaines told the residents on Monday.
More than a dozen of them met with the Adams County Board of Supervisors to express concerns about recent rate increases, poor water quality, low water pressure and other complications they blame on Great River Utility Operating Co.
One resident told the board that Great River jacked up her monthly water charges from $35 to $53 without prior notice. Another resident said it raised the water rates without the state PSC’s permission.
While they have no regulatory power over Great River, Adams County supervisors said they’ll help Morgantown area residents “put pressure” on the water-utility company and “drum up support” for correcting the reported deficiencies. Supervisors could act as mediators in getting the water company to adequately address Great River water customers’ concerns, said Supervisor Ricky Gray.
Great River is part of Central States Water Resources, a corporation that owns 16 utility operating companies in 11 states.
Great River’s water lines are tapped into the Natchez Water Works system. The municipal-owned utility tried to buy Great River’s assets, but no deal was made, according to county board President Kevin Wilson.
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