Crowds swarmed the Rancho Bernardo library Monday night to confront city officials about spiking water bills. NBC 7 Responds found that thousands of residents face sky-high water bills after rates began soaring in July 2017. Caryn Cooper was among the 100 people who packed the library to ask the Public Utilities Department about what they’re doing to remedy exorbitant bills. She helps a friend living on a fixed income whose bill increased by nearly $200.