How to report water price gouging

BOSTON -- With the high demand for water, state leaders are taking steps to prevent price gouging.

Store shelves at times have been empty across the area as people are stocking up on water. There have been reports of some stores increasing prices.

Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office on Monday announced that a hotline had been established specifically for the public to report suspected water price gouging. Those who have witnessed merchants who may have unfairly increased the price of bottled water as a result of the water emergency should call 617-963-2400, according to a press release from the attorney general's office. (Read full press release)

The public can also report suspected price gouging by filing a consumer complaint on the Attorney General's website: www.mass.gov/ago/consumercomplaints.

On Sunday, Gov. Deval Patrick asked the state's division of standards to inspect stores to make sure residents in need aren't being taken advantage during this emergency.

"This is the wrong time to be gouging. There's no doubt about it. This is a time for folks to pull together and act like neighbors,” he said.

WATER MAIN BREAK RESOURCES

On the leak

-- MWRA leak updates and latest information

-- MWRA advisory

-- Read customized alert issued by your city or town

-- 7NEWS Raw Video of water main break and related press conferences

On the 'boil-water' order

-- 'Boil-water' order do's and don'ts

-- Frequently asked questions about 'boil-water' orders

-- Phone number for water main break Emergency Operations Center

-- Locations of Mass. National Guard water distribution points

-- Health risks posed by current tap water

Other 

-- Information for pet owners

-- Emergency guidelines for food establishments

-- Map of MWRA water system

(Copyright (c) 2010 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. Additional information courtesy of Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)