Help Me Hank: Water Meter Worries

Everything seemed so normal -- Brenda Hill and pup Shayna taking their walk up the same road, climbing the same stairs, through the same door everything was just the same.

But when Brenda turned on the faucet for thirsty Shayna -- suddenly -- everything was different.

Brenda Hill
"We came back and there wasn't any water for her to drink."

No water? The kitchen was dry so she tried the bathroom sink.

Brenda Hill
"There was no water to be had."

No water? Anywhere? Anywhere?

A baffled Brenda called her landlord

Brenda Hill
"The water company had turned it off because of a meter."

A meter? Next call, the water company. They told her all the water meters in Boston are being updated, and they had a problem with hers.

Brenda Hill
"We've had a difficult time coordinating the change with your landlord. So today we shut off your water."

Shut off her water? The meter's not even in her apartment!

Brenda Hill
"I was completely flabbergasted by that."

And still--no water. The dishes were piling up. She couldn't make a cup of coffee.

Brenda Hill
"Everything that you take for granted on a daily basis because that tap is supposed to run."

Shayna's bowl was empty. Brenda couldn't even shower!

Brenda Hill
"A little frustrated, a little helpless and a little dirty."

Brenda made one more call.

Brenda Hill
"I made the call to Channel 7."

We wondered: could they turn off her water because of her landlord's problem?

We sat down with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and they explained they're installing new state-of-the-art meters so water customers can say bye-bye to the meter reader.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"How beneficial is it to customers to have this meter changed?"

Jeanne Richardson, Director of Communications
"With our new system we're able to offer readings, daily readings, of water usage and that's very exciting for us."

To get the change out done: The Commission sent numerous notices -- asking for access to the building -- and they couldn't get in to Brenda's.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"What could happen if someone doesn't allow for the meter to be changed?"

Jeanne Richardson, Director of Communications
"As a last resort we may have to send a very strong letter and maybe shut off their water."

Turns out Brenda's case was complicated. Her absentee landlord didn't get the notices but after the connection was made they took another look at Brenda's case.

Brenda Hill
"The water company said after reviewing it they would turn the water back on."

And now water everywhere -- in the kitchen, the bathroom and for the ever-thirsty Shayna. Now the dishes are done, hands are washed, and we'll leave so Brenda can hit the shower.

Brenda Hill
"I was elated!"

Those new meters are going to give you a lot of valuable new info on your water usage.

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