Some people in Somerville, Massachusetts, are upset over sky high water bills, but the city said the newer rates are actually more accurate for certain customers.One resident said her water bill was for more than $8,000. The city of Somerville said some customers are getting estimated water and sewer bills, because their meter is no longer transmitting readings. The city said as it replaces meters, some may then get a bill for actual usage that’s much higher or lower than previous bills. At-Large City Councilor Kristen Strezo is concerned that residents will move out of Somerville if they keep getting these large bills.”I think communication is key. If the water bills are that large, I wouldn’t put it past it,” she said. “It’s the death-by-papercut situation where the water bills become too large where the expenses become a mushroom balloon.”The Somerville Water and Sewer Department said it’s doing a citywide water meter replacement project for existing equipment.Residents and business owners need to schedule a time for their meter to be replaced. Somerville City Council is expected to discuss the water bill issue at its meeting Thursday night.
SOMERVILLE, Mass. —
Some people in Somerville, Massachusetts, are upset over sky high water bills, but the city said the newer rates are actually more accurate for certain customers.
One resident said her water bill was for more than $8,000.
The city of Somerville said some customers are getting estimated water and sewer bills, because their meter is no longer transmitting readings.
The city said as it replaces meters, some may then get a bill for actual usage that’s much higher or lower than previous bills.
At-Large City Councilor Kristen Strezo is concerned that residents will move out of Somerville if they keep getting these large bills.
“I think communication is key. If the water bills are that large, I wouldn’t put it past it,” she said. “It’s the death-by-papercut situation where the water bills become too large where the expenses become a mushroom balloon.”
The Somerville Water and Sewer Department said it’s doing a citywide water meter replacement project for existing equipment.
Residents and business owners need to schedule a time for their meter to be replaced.
Somerville City Council is expected to discuss the water bill issue at its meeting Thursday night.
Read More: Somerville, Massachusetts residents getting eye-popping water, sewer bills