Do you suspect you are overpaying for city water?

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I am a homeowner and landlord of a 3 family house in Ward 7. My water meter was changed 3 years ago. This past summer I noticed something was wrong with the water meter. It was spinning back and forth. My plumber shut off the main and the water meter continued to spin. He indicated that the water meter was faulty.

I then notified MASS Installation– they were uncooperative regarding my request to change my water meter.

I was told by a close friend to contact the individual who supervises “Weights and Measures”…. which became another rabbit hole of dead ends.

One thing about me– I don’t give up, “squeaky wheel”, that I am. Also, retired so I happen to have a lot of time on my hands.

Walter Hass wrote an article for the Boston Globe months ago to raise awareness of the issues with our water meters. He indicated that the city bought the cheapest meters on the market.

Neil Viner, who works for the water department had visited my home more than several times.

He was rude and arrogant. Raised his voice when I challenged him about my water meter spinning. He asked me to put in a good word to Mayor Ballantyne.

How ridiculous is that? And by the way, I did make a call and was told, “THE MAYORS OFFICE DOESN’T TAKE CALLS”. When have you ever hear that?

Of course I did not call Mayor Ballantyne because Neil was clearly not doing his job properly.

I generally pay about $3,500 annually. The total occupants of our dwelling is 7 adults. I also maintain a 90×50 square lot and a flower garden including a 150 year old European Copper Beech which is being treated for bleeding canker, otherwise the 150 year old tree would die. So I must use water outdoors as well.

Something must be done about the water department of Somerville.

We sit in silence waiting for answers with no reply.

Is this the image Somerville should have? Continuing to ignore this problem?

I hope that when the new mayor occupy’s his new office– the water department gets the first inspection and he begins a full investigation of why nothing has been done to correct the problems.

So Jake– if your reading this: Please look into why those of us with faulty water meters who have repeatedly called begging for answers, only to be repeatedly ignored.

I am now forced to make monthly payments at city hall until I can pay off the balance due. If no one is willing to correct this problem, why are we not getting any answers? Every home, condo, building should be inspected to ensure water meters are working correctly.

Our family has lived in Somerville since 1930. I will be celebrating 100 years in 2030. Hopefully I will continue to be living in my home for many years to come.

Thank you to Billy Tauro for his continual service of exposing these issues with city hall.

It’s time to start giving back to the loyal constituents of our city.

Judy Jacobs
42 Claremon Street
Ward 7