My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Georgia

I have lived in the same studio apartment since April of 2007 and my water bills had never varied (likely because I shower, do laundry, etc at my boyfriend's house) until May of 2008, when I was shocked to find that my bill had spiked from $16.12 to $107.82.

My water is billed through a 3rd party billing service, whom I immediately called and requested that my meter be re-read. I was advised that they don't actually read the meter, the apartment complex does. So I called the apartment complex, who told me that each apartment was individually metered (I originally thought I was being billed based on the complex's total use, I think its referred to as RUBS??) and that the City reads the meter. So, I called the city, who told me that they bill the complex for total use, and did not have any information on my particular unit.

I have been going round and round with the billing company and the apartment complex as to what I actually owe. I have continued to pay 16.12 each month, as a sign of good faith that I do indeed want to pay-but only what I truly owe (That is also how billing disputes are handled if billed directly by the city). I just don't want my credit to be hurt-is there anything I can do??