In recent months, many residents of Somerville, Massachusetts have noticed a sudden surge in their water bills after the installation of new water meters. The city government explained that this increase is due to the old water meters ceasing to function. Prior to the replacement, the water department had to charge based on estimated water usage; whereas after the meter replacement, they have to make up for the previously undercharged amounts.
The issue of water bills in Somerville has sparked controversy locally. Some Chinese residents have also complained about the significant rise in water bills post-meter replacement and the challenges in lodging appeals.
Ms. Xie, who has been living in Somerville for over 20 years, expressed to the press that her water bill skyrocketed after replacing the water meter, describing it as “exaggerated.” She mentioned that many residents in the area were frustrated but eventually had to accept it, as lodging complaints seemed ineffective.
Another resident, Ms. Luo, shared that when she was using the old water meter, her water bills were around $300 to $400. However, post the installation of the new water meter, her last year’s water bill amounted to over $800, and this year’s first bill was approximately $1300. She attempted to inquire at the city government office, only to find several others queuing with similar concerns.
Similarly, Mr. Xie Zhong, a long-term resident of Somerville, admitted his reluctance to replace the water meter out of fear of a sharp increase in water bills. He noted that some friends complained of their bills surging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars after new meters were installed. Although Mr. Xie received a notification for meter replacement, he has not made an appointment yet. However, he acknowledged that according to his friends, the meter replacement was inevitable, thus requiring mental preparedness.
Regarding the issue of soaring water bills post-meter replacement, Somerville’s Water Department Minister, Demetrios Vidalis, previously explained in April of this year that the situation arose because the old water meters stopped functioning, leading the city government to bill based on estimated water consumption for a period. These estimates might have been lower than the actual usage by residents. Bills calculated based on estimated consumption bear the mark “E”.
“People have not been overcharged. The fees they are paying are for the water they have already used but was not reflected in previous bills,” stated Vidalis.
Somerville began the process of water meter replacement in early 2023. Once residents switched to the new meters, the city government could accurately read their water consumption.
During a meeting at the Somerville City Council in December 2023, Vidalis mentioned how fees billed based on estimated consumption might have either exceeded or fallen short of residents’ actual usage. In cases where the city government discovers an overcharge in water bills after the meter replacement, the excess amount is credited back to residents’ accounts to cover future water expenses.
If residents believe there are discrepancies in their water bills, they are encouraged to reach out to the Water Department for an investigation.
Furthermore, Somerville will not immediately shut off water supply due to residents falling behind on payments. The city allows residents to delay bill payments for up to one year, albeit with a 14% annual interest added. ◇