05/07/2009 Archived Article: "Water rates to come down to normal"

They say you can´t fight city hall, but Linda Swartz, resident of finca el Peso on the road to Estación de Gaucín, fought and won. Last summer residents were horrified to note that water bills had increased 500%. A group of residents, led by Linda, approached the lawyer Sebastian Sanchez Andrades. He found that in Spain by law one has a right to water, and can only be charged its cost. Also, when the Town Hall wants to raise the rates it must do a “proyecto” ---laying out the reasons and the costs, etc. The Town Hall had not done a “proyecto,” and therefore will be refunding the overcharges. The old rates will apply until a proper “proyecto” is done.