Water bill $5,000 in one month!! HELP!

[Hannah Mulvey]

I purchased a multifamily home in a tax auction in September 2014. There was a past due amount for water which amounted to around $1,000.00. We knew we would be responsible for this, and once we received the deed, we paid it off. We then had to go through an eviction proceeding to get the owner out, and we did not get possession of the home until February 15th, 2015. 

I just spoke with the water department because they haven't sent us a bill in 2 months. They said the water usage for February 26, 2015-March 26, 2015 was $5,361.88!! We apparently used 1448 units of water during that month. No one was living in the unit at the time and the home was boarded and secured. We turned the water off on March 29th to start renovations, but we have continued to accumulate massive bills since then. The number of water units we have used has come down since turning off the water, but it's still accumulated $425.00 in bills since March 26th.

We just tried turning the water back on to see if there are any massive leaks anywhere, and our property manager can't find any leaks at all. There is no water damage in the house and no water anywhere. This leads me to believe someone might be stealing our water. 

I called the water department to try to figure this out, and they said they can't help me or even let me open a dispute. They are coming out for a meter reading next week, but that's all they can do. 

So, one of two things is happening. Either there is a massive leak underground somewhere or someone is stealing. Does anyone have any advice for me? Has this ever happened to you? The water department isn't helping at all. 

[Matthew Schroeder]

We had a somewhat similar issue.  In our case, the city actually saw the very high usage and pre-emptively shut off at the tap (at the street).  Apparently, the issue was between the tap & the water main inside the house.  There was a leak & we needed to have a new line run.  We were quoted upwards of $5k to get it done, but wound up being able to find someone to do it for ~$2.5k.  Not a fun experience.

In some cases, you can work with the water company & they will relieve you of some of the previous bills/outstandings.  Never hurts to ask - just explain the situation.