Sussex water system needs more users

On Jan. 7, we had no water. I called the Borough Hall. The phone was answered by machine, I left a message. With the problem unsolved by the next morning (how long can one live without water?) I called again, received a live answer, and a promise to "look into�the matter". Within 30 minutes, we had a technician visit, for which we are very grateful.

The tech noted the meter was running; claiming we were getting water. He then opened the drain at the bottom of the intake tank. There was a roar as a vast amount of pressurized air began to escape along with a few ounces of brackish water.

He remarked the meter showed usage. But I replied that if water was going into the tank than it would be coming right out (the drain is at lowest level); and nothing but air was being expelled.

Then he disconnected the pipe to the meter; there was a louder roar as the compressed air came through the intake. This continued for about 15 minutes. We could hardly converse around the noise.

There was clearly a sizable air lock in the borough's water system that prevented any water from coming from the main to the house. However, the air going throughh the meter was being recorded as if it were water, and thus we were unfairly billed for it.

The huge amount of air proves the main pipe wwas air bound. This pressure could damage the borough's pipes and created undue strain on their pumps.

This problem also left us without water for part of 2 days. I sought a credit on the bill, but was refused. In addition, there was the prospect of damage resulting from the borough's system to my plumbing; bills I would (unfairly) have to pay.

The problem with Sussex Borough water is that very large fixed costs are spread over a very limited customer base. The remedy is to increase users, thus income. But with high fees, and limited service, those who potentially could sign on�for Sussex Borough water won't, because the alternative private well is available and attractive based on the package�of product-plus-service Sussex Borough water offers.

Ken Treloar
Sussex Borough