New Jersey Residents Hit with Exorbitant Water Bill Surcharge A growing controversy in New Jersey has state lawmakers speaking out against a $150 fee being added to water bills in some municipalities. State Assemblyman Brian Bergen has called the surcharge "institutional price gouging," a term typically reserved for illegal business practices. Bergen, who represents northern New Jersey, claims the fee has nothing to do with fairness and is instead a blatant attempt to increase revenue. As the issue gains attention, residents are left wondering why their water bills have suddenly skyrocketed and what the true motives behind the fee are.
"This $150 fare has nothing to do with fairness. It's institutional price gouging. It's usually illegal," said state Assemblyman Brian Bergen, who represents municipalities in northern New Jersey.
