What happens when you cannot resolve an issue? You contact professionals who can help you find solutions.
Well in this case, the City of Somerville has failed.
Water is one of our most precious resources think for a moment how many uses: drinking, bathing, washing…….
Suddenly, without notice, your water bills begin to rise. You contact your plumber after checking your apartment(s), who finds no leaks. The water bills continue to rise. For 7 days, your plumber returns and concluded you have no leaks.
The city water department disputes findings of your plumber. Who can you turn to? No one. That door has been closed.
I have been dealing with this problem for over 7 months now. I would caution anyone using an unauthorized person to work on their water meter issues. If something goes wrong, you will have to answer to the city.
I have had to deal with this problem since last Fall, when my water bill was $1200. I continue to maintain a average garden of perennials and last summer was dry, without much rain.
My bills average $3500 annually. I am landlord occupied and rent 2 units.
I was told recently that the mayor’s office no longer accepts calls. I have tried to work with the water department but they insist I have a leak. I paid my plumber $700 to search for a leak. He concluded there is no leak.
One of my issues is that tenants who recently vacated were uncooperative with my plumber.
Interestingly, I did locate a leak in their bathroom toilet last week, which was not revealed 4 months ago when the city superintendent visited my home on 4 separate occasions.
The conclusion some have shared is that the city purchased faulty, and the least expensive meters.
I have always maintained that it’s been a faulty reading of approximately 2 minutes on my meter which over time registers as an increase on my bill, and was told up to $200 monthly with a leaking toilet.
There are blue tablets you can use to determine a leak your plumber will share and possibly at HomeDepot. If the tablet leaks into the bowl from placing it into the tank–(wait 15 minutes) you have a leak and must replace one or more of the parts in the tank. I would recommend calling your plumber unless you have experience. It can be a simple fix.
The city administration has made it clear to home owners that they are negligent in dealing with this problem. Their answer is to just pay your bill.
Here is my honest opinion on this– possibly a few scenarios of what could be contributing to the problem:
We have a 300 year old water/sewer system that was never sufficiently maintained, or replaced as our lucrative neighbor Cambridge.
A family member in his 80s, recalls the city was always neglecting the sewer/water lines. This is the result– a crumbling old system that is now costing more to maintain. I suspect that somewhere there is another issue they will not share.
But if this administration refuses to be transparent about our sewer/water issues then who do we contact for assistance? It appears to be a never ending maze without a solution.
I am 3rd generation. Our home was built in 1860 when Somerville was a dairy farm.
I have tried many times to get answers from the superintendent without any success.
City Councilor Ben of Ward 5 has been trying to sort this out, but so far there doesn’t appear to be a solution.
I have asked for a new meter and was denied. It’s not the bigger issue I am more concerned about. If you live in Somerville you see what’s going on around you.
They will not stop building condos. Those benefiting most are the surrounding colleges as their student population and those working in Boston have found a faster way of getting to work.
In my honest opinion– they are hoping more long time residents move out to free up aged housing and call in the bulldozers.
There’s always been preferential treatment given to the water department. Residents have always been ignored and abandoned. I find this as deceiving our homeowners and renters.
They are aware that many elders cannot afford the inflated bills. You know what’s next– they pack-up and move to affordable housing in other towns. This is unfair to our elderly population as well as young families.
Friendly warning- anyone who is tampering with plumbing in their homes/rental units should not hire a plumber for a quick resolution with their water lines.
I am almost certain it’s unlawful.
The city will accept partial payments. Based on our use for 3 apartments, we pay $3500 annually. I wish the AG would get involved and investigate. There are too many of us paying much more than in prior years.
I do recommend using the WaterScope software to track your water line. You can also contact them for access to your water usage.
Their number- 1(800)933-1360.
I would like to form a group of residents with the help of the editor and councilors, that we maintain an open dialogue to find solutions about the water problem.
Stay tuned…..
Judith Locchi Jacobs
Ward 7