Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill14564
Some thoughts:
- The District is going to contend that the meter doesn't fail and so any reading must be due to water flowing through. I don't believe in the infallibility of electronics but if there is a glitch in the electronic part of the meter it will be impossible to prove.
- First, make absolutely sure you don't have a leak. A leaky toilet could be an issue. A running garden hose could be an issue. A geyser from your irrigation system could be an issue. If you have any of these problems and actually did use the water then your options are limited.
- The data sheet for the Sensus SR2 meter that you likely have claims it records hourly readings for the last 90 days. I would insist that they provide you with the hourly readings for the particular time period. Hopefully, one or more of those readings will be over 1,300 gals/hour which should not be physically possible.
- There are one-time forgiveness programs that you should ask about; one for leaks that you identify and correct and the other for completely unexplained usage. The only problem is the District has decided to forgive at the Tier 1 rate while they have charged most of that water at the higher Tier 3 rate. You could get at least some of the money forgiven though you would still pay quite a bit.
- Come to one of the NSCUDD meetings and complain. It probably won't make a lot of difference but at least you will add your name to the list of homeowners who have experienced this issue.
- Talk to the POA. They have been gathering information on this problem and may have suggestions.
- Talk to a lawyer. You are one of about 70 (I believe that is the number) homeowners that have had unexplained water usage in the 25K, 50K, or 75K range. It seems extremely suspicious that the unexplained usages are multiples of 25K. It might be possible to put together some kind of suit based on that. The lawyer might also be able to find other places that have dealt with similar problems with the Sensus SR2. I tried to search on the internet but didn't find much useful information which didn't surprise me since Sensus would not advertise something like that.
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I think hiring an engineer to prove water meters can spike without water running through the meter and then return to normal for months or years would be more profitable than hiring a lawyer. Folks all over the country with high water bills would appreciate your efforts
And I don’t think the village water company would dispute your findings either with empirical facts.
Good luck