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Dry Well Leaves Smartsville Subdivision Without Water For Several Days

SMARTSVILLE (CBS13) - Families in one Yuba County development have been without running water for several days, because the well has dried up.

"My potty not working," said Lillyann Dupree.

At just 3 years old, Dupree knows there's a problem with the water at her house. Her parents must haul water from a tank set up by the county, which that they call the community shower.

"It's like a one star hotel," said one resident.

Since Thursday, the Smartsville subdivision of 84 homes hasn't had any water.

The Yuba County Community Development director didn't want to go on camera, but told CBS13 the community over consumed, and their well ran dry overnight.

However, some of the homeowners say that's a lie.

"They're blaming us and we've been conserving," said resident Doug Powell.

What's more, the community says they pay a lot more than they should for their water. Bills are more than $300 a month because of a new sewage system, they say, was put in four years ago.

The county explains bills are high because it's split among only 84 homes.

"It's terrible," said Powell.

Homeowners say they pay their bills, so there's no reason they should be out of water.

Powell rigged a shower in his backyard. He's hearing they won't be able to have water until Wednesday.

"This is just not right. People can't live like this," he said.

County officials say they check on the water levels of the 225,000 gallon tank sent up.

Residents say they are planning to have a town hall meeting at the site of the tank.

They have not involved lawyers at this time, but are not ruling out the option.

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