Good luck and let me know if you get things resolved!

In my former townhouse we had a mix up with the electric company – it turns out they had been reading the wrong unit and charging us for their usage and them for ours – for three years!!! It took awhile for it to get straightened out but at least we came out a little bit ahead. You just never know with those utility companies – they can do just about anything they want and most people just go along with it. pretty scary. I hope you get your situation worked out.
.-= Natural Health Goodies´s last blog ..Frozen Yogurt Hearts A Creative Healthy Homemade Valentine Treat Idea =-.

I doubt if you have a leak. It’s the water co. billing system’s errors etc. Lots of folks are experiencing the same thing. My bills went up 700% last year, until it was resolved.

Of course, the bill is wrong this quarter, so I’ll be wasting more of my time with this. Again.

Joel Libava
.-= Joel Libava´s last blog ..Contact Information For Cleveland Division Of Water =-.

I went through this nightmare for 9 months last year. I spent about 60 hours going back and forth with the Cleveland Division Of Water. I even created a crazy little website. (Not too little. The Plain Dealer picked it up.)

Now, it’s starting again.

If you, or any one else want a chance at getting thnigs resolved, do the following;

1. Ask the Div. of Water to put your bill on hold, because you are disputing it. (By calling)
2. Send an email to customer service telling them that you disagree with the bill, and that it’s impossible that you used that amount of water. (You didn’t).
3.Go to http://www.AdjustMyWaterBill.com Comment and read the comments. The Water Company knows about the site
4. Do not give up. Drive them crazy.

Joel Libava
.-= Joel Libava´s last blog ..Contact Information For Cleveland Division Of Water =-.

1. double check your water meter yourself. your previous bill likely has the previous reading on it. check it now and compare in case it was misread for your bill. By the way, take your kids out to your water meter and show them how it works! They may even get in on some approximate calculations.

2. I hope the tech did this simple check: If not, request it or do it yourself (at your own risk).
One way to check for underground leaks is to turn the water off to your house (the “main”). Make sure all of your water using appliances are off and that your water heater is not filling up with water. After you know that no water is coming into the house, check your water meter. Still spinning? then you likely have a leak between the city line and your home.

3. Even if your service line has a leak, the utility co. will usually assume that you used the water unless you demonstrate otherwise. If the tech did not do this, request it or get a licensed plumber to take a “look” at the line and trace a leak. If a leak in the service line is detected, they can typically help you contact the municipality and provide a signed letter – it should get you a credit on your bill next. Your line may have a tracer wire in it, or it may require digging (I hope not – don’t dig unless absolutely needed). Most municipalities have a “leak adjustment policy” in either codes or on the water providers website. I will say, however that in these instances, leaks often cause a much higher bill (sometimes 10 x higher or more).

4. Is anyone stealing water? from an exterior spigot? is it a shared line?

My water bill also has a surcharge to cover the bills of people who don’t pay their own water bill. Confusing, eh? So not only am I paying for my water, but if someone else doesn’t pay, I’m paying for their water, too!