Carnegie's crackdown on delinquent sewage accounts that has resulted in 40 customer shutoffs has caused some grumbling, but it also has produced positive results the borough.

Borough Manager Whitney Brady reported Monday that since the Nov. 2 payment deadline, approximately $90,000 in overdue payments has been collected and 200 delinquent accounts have been placed on payment plans, most of which run four months.

"We collected more money this week than we got all year," Ms. Brady said.

Before the collection campaign began, nearly $300,000 was owed to the borough, much from long-term delinquent accounts.

However, Ms. Brady would be the first to concede that the effort has not been without pain. The borough sent out water-shutoff notices last month, resulting in a torrent of phone calls and complaints.

Also, within the past two weeks, 40 delinquents have had their water shut off and another 20 will lose their service this week, she said.

About eight customers have cleared their accounts and had their water service resumed.

Some residents and landlords have complained about the high cost of water and sewage in Carnegie, but officials maintain the rates are necessary to provide the needed funds for compliance with a federal Environmental Protection Agency mandate. Compliance includes making repairs, viewing infrastructure with cameras and improving flow.

"The rate had not been increased for years," Ms. Brady said.

But some like Patricia Niedermeyer, who owns a rental property on Wabash Avenue, said she had no way of knowing what their tenants' bills were.

"I feel like it was shoved at me," she said, noting she got a $1,100 bill for a 10-month occupancy.

Besides helping provide information on such accounts, Ms. Brady suggested landlords require deposits that would cover overdue bills.

Council member Susan Demko said individuals aren't the only ones who have been pushed around.

"It was shoved at us, too. They told us we needed to make $5 million worth of repairs in three years," she said, adding that it is unfair for paying residents to pick up the tab for those who do not pay.

Council President Mike Sarsfield said some sewer work will be completed by the end of 2010, so the rates may decrease.

Delinquent customers wishing to make payment arrangements can contact Ms. Brady, 412-276-1414, ext. 6.

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