Cape Coral FL Water Co. Water more costly than gold - Unreasonable charges not removed Cape Coral, Florida

We have a second home in Cape Coral that is empty much of the year.  In spite of this a gardener, pool service and friend check the property weekly, including wonderful neighbors.    When occupying the house in October for the week we noticed a slight noise in the pool bath and had this fixed immediately.  If we didn't go into this room we would have never detected a problem. In November our friend noticed what seemed like more leakage and we had it repaired again.  Our water bill usage each month May to November was close to 1000 gal and we are always charged the minimum (usually around $50-75).   To avoid any late fees I have
the bank pay $125/mo automatically.   I was shocked to see our December bill  (period approx Oct 26- Nov 27) was for $587!  I  immediately called the company.  I could not understand why my bill for the period of Sept 26 to October 27 remained low since I noticed the leak the first week in October.    I asked if the meter reader had the right house or misread the meter.  I was told the meter was correct and that there was no active leak at the time of the reading (meaning the dial wasn't spinning).  I was sent a form to complete to document the toilet leak and repairs.  To my surprise I received an adjusted water bill for the period of 11/27-12/26 --- only $146.32 of the $587.25 removed.........  I called to question this and was told that they removed the water portion but not the sewer portion.    This is totally beyond my comprehension.     I understand water is precious but $587 for a minor leak?!  With so many snow birds not monitoring their property as we do,  one would think that that county would have a better way to promptly detect, report to correct leaks.