$86,000 water bill from the city...account was in tenant's name

[Margaret Blanton]

I live in Atlanta where they can put a lien on your property for the water bill. However, I didn't think I would be responsible if the account was in the tenant's name. Tenant left and never notified me. I just found out that there is an $86,000 water bill and I am responsible. 1) what?!!?? 2) How can I possibly be responsible for a bill that was not in my name. 3) Why didn't they turn off the water after it reached $1000 or $2000...hell, $20,000. 

It doesn't seem right. I don't plan to sell the property anytime soon, but I still don't want this hanging over me. Does anyone have any insight? This doesn't seem right.

[Margaret Blanton]

I wanted to give an update. Thank you so much for responding and thank you for the  advice to get an attorney. There is definitely a leak. The plumber is here now. It's leaking about 2 gallons/minute. It's been empty and even then, the bill is running around $2000/month. I am getting the supply line replaced tomorrow. Luckily, I have supply line insurance, which I highly recommend for people who live in an area with older homes.

The plumber claims that I can request to adjust the bill after it is repaired. Even so, I'm mad that the city lets water go to waste like that. They should have turned the water off after an unpaid $1000 bill. 

Luckily I don't need to sell right now because I really don't want to give any extra money to city of Atlanta.  

I will post a nother update when I find out more about the bill. I just wanted to give a heads up to other people in water lien states.