Cracked water meter on a new rental

[Mal K.]

Recently, I purchased a property owned by the bank.  The house was winterized in 2017 and the water was shut off due to outstanding water bill. I paid outstanding bill and I had a water company come out to turn on the service.  The technician said the water meter was cracked and he needed to replace it.  Once the meter was on and technician was ready to leave he mentioned that I will receive a bill from a water company for a broken meter.  My question...Am I responsible for the broken water meter? Is there anything I can do?  

Regards, Mal