Jonathan Hall Uncovers: Water meters

Every time you turn on the tap, brush your teeth or flush the toilet, the water's flowing and the meter's running -- keeping track of how much you use.

But what if the meter is not working properly?

7News found homeowners are getting soaked when it comes to their water bills because of outdated and faulty meters.

It happened to Rebecca Markson of Stoughton.

Rebecca Markson, Stoughton resident
"I was shocked, absolutely shocked, I thought it was wrong."

Rebecca says her quarterly water bill was around 70 bucks.

So imagine her surprise when she got a water bill for more than ten times that!

Rebecca Markson, Stoughton resident
"I got this bill for $1,000."

Rebecca says the Stoughton Department of Public Works told her the meter at her house had not been read in almost two years, and during that time it was giving inaccurate readings.

They recently replaced it and are now charging her the estimated cost of water she used during the time the meter wasn't working.

Lawrence Bender, Stoughton Public Works Dept.
"You will get the bill for the water you used, which is obviously the case here. Now she gets billed for the whole amount."

Stoughton water officials say homeowners are responsible for making sure their water meter is working properly, but Rebecca disagrees:

Rebecca Markson, Stoughton resident
"I don't call NStar, I don't call Bay State Gas, they bill me, they come out, they do it electronically, so if other departments can do it why can't the water dept do it?"

Duncan Dewar and his neighbor Maureen Keating of Winthrop share a water meter, and they realized they had a problem too.

Duncan Dewar, Winthrop resident
"We were getting quarterly water bills for about 50 bucks, we found out that was the minimum and that it was wrong, so we called to say something might be wrong with our meter."

Winthrop Public Works came out and replaced the faulty meter. But left them with another problem - a huge bill.

Duncan Dewar, Winthrop resident
"Eventually we received a bill for $1,900. And we thought, whoa, what just happened?"

What happened was Duncan and Maureen got billed for the estimated use of water during the time the meter was broken.

When Maureen complained, she says the city of Winthrop told her flat-out that the meter is her responsibility!

Maureen Keating, Winthrop resident  
"If it's my responsibility, then what are they doing down there? I didn't go to water meter school, I don't know how, you know? I'm depending on them to read the meter correctly and to bill correctly."

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), the agency that supplies water to 60 bay state communities, including Stoughton and Winthrop, admits old and faulty water meters have become a problem.

They say meters should be replaced about every 10 years, but lack of funding is preventing many cities and towns from doing that.

They told 7News they hope federal stimulus money can help correct the problem.

For Rebecca, that will come too late.

Rebecca Markson, Stoughton resident
"They said I had 30 days to pay, plus interest and if I didn't pay, I'd get a lean put on my tax bill."

She paid her bill to avoid problems, but Duncan and Maureen continue to battle with Winthrop. They're hoping to come to a compromise.

Maureen Keating, Winthrop resident
"I just want to get this rectified, I want it off my plate, I feel like it's something looming over our heads."

So how can homeowners avoid these water woes?

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) says pay close attention to each water bill and look for "any" changes or discrepancies. If you see a problem, call your local water department immediately and have then come to your home to check the meter.

That way you won't get soaked!

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