Atlanta (CNN) -- Imagine paying as much for water as you do for your mortgage. 

Residents throughout Atlanta are outraged by hundreds, even thousands of dollars in monthly spikes in their water bills, and have questioned the legitimacy of the charges for years. Now, they're demanding answers. 

"I thought we were sinking in a hole of water," said Debbi Scarborough. "It scared me to death. I thought we had a major leak when I got the bill." 

Over two months last summer, her family's monthly water bill, shot up to $1,805 In July and then $1,084 in August, leaving a balance due of more than $3,000. She said in the past her bill has averaged $200 to $250. 

"I'm not paying a $3,000 bill. And for those three months, we were pretty much out of town most of the time and there's no leaks," she said, showing CNN a copy of her plumber's report. 

The city installed a device on her meter to track daily usage. In the meantime, Scarborough's bill remains unpaid while she disputes the charges. 

She is not alone. 

While similar complaints about huge water bill spikes have popped up in Cleveland, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Brockton, Massachusetts; it appears that the issue has lasted the longest in Atlanta. 

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It's led to a class-action lawsuit, countless meetings with city officials and continuing complaints from fed-up residents. 

Thousands of residents who have seen unusual spikes have appealed their high water bills. Just last year, the city issued credits totaling $466,368 to customers. 
What is Debbi mad about?
What was it in the past?
What is it now?
Is she going to pay it?
Why?
What did the company do?
Is she by herself?
Where else?
What are people doing because of it?
How much in credit sent out?
monthly spikes in their water bills
monthly spikes in their water bills
$200 to $250.
the past her bill has averaged $200 to $250.
$1,805 In July and then $1,084 in August, leaving a balance due of more than $3,000.
$1,805 In July and then $1,084 in August, leaving a balance due of more than $3,000. 
no
I'm not paying a $3,000 bill
they were pretty much out of town most of the time and there's no leaks and its a high price
"I'm not paying a $3,000 bill. And for those three months, we were pretty much out of town most of the time and there's no leaks," she said, showing
installed a device on her meter to track daily usage
The city installed a device on her meter to track daily usage
no
She is not alone. 
in Cleveland, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Brockton, Massachusetts
similar complaints about huge water bill spikes have popped up in Cleveland, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Brockton, Massachusetts
a class-action lawsuit,
It's led to a class-action lawsuit,
$466,368
credits totaling $466,368 to customers. 