Question

My parents purchased a home in the early 80's. At the time they used city water but had a septic tank. In the early 90's, the city added waste management services and demanded that all water customers hook on to their service. . My father was the only person who refused to hook on, mainly because he would have had to spend considerable money to do so. He would have also had to cut through roots of huge pecan trees. I am the current owner of the home. I still use the septic tank and have no problems with it.

Monthly I am assessed a sewage fee. I do not use the city sewage and feel like I am being forced to pay for services not rendered. If I refuse, the city will cut my water off. They claim that I have the option to hook on and therefore have to pay for it. The amount depends on how much water I use. Just because I 'could connect with a phone service, does not mean I have to pay for it. What's up?

Can the water department force me to pay for the service of sewage, even though I do not receive this service?