Water leak a pain (6/20/03)

This letter may sound like “sour grapes,” as I have waited a while to say anything, but here goes.

In early December 2002 I received a note from the local water and sewage department stating that in the period from Oct. 31 to Dec. 3 I have used a total of 55,300 gallons of water.

The first thing I immediately did was to check everywhere for leaks and found none. Then I went to the water and sewage office to talk to them. They said I must have a leaky stool or something else. When I informed them that this was not the case, they said they would send someone to check the meter.

As I watched the employee check the meter it was not moving. He indicated there was not water being used if the meter was not moving.

I went back to the office and was told there was nothing they could do about it and that I would have to talk to (water superintendent) Doug Jackson. I proceed to call him. His answer was that I must have a faulty stool and I told him I did not. Then he said it must have been my water softener. This was not the case either. Then when I suggested that it may have been a malfunctin of the meter or that it was read improperly, all he could say was that the city of Portland does not make adjustments and that these were new meters installed. Everyone knows that just because something is new that it doesn’t always work properly.

I guess that is why I am now writing. I have just read in the June 7 edition of The Commercial Review of another adjustment for a businessman with another empty storefront in Portland.

This is now the third adjustment I have read of being made. The first to a Blackford, the second name I can’t recall and now to a Frankenfield.

I thought, “no adjustments?”

I can see that things in Portland are still business as usual. Reminds me of the political saying, “the good-ole boys network.”

Oh, did I forget to mention that during this approximate five-week period we were away for almost three weeks of that time at a cost of more than $400.

Thank you for letting me vent some of my frustrations, I could go on for several more pages but I won’t.

Thank you,

Billy J. Jobe

Portland

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(Editor’s note: Portland Water Superintendent Doug Jackson responds: “I’ve got a policy to follow, and that’s exactly what I do. According to (Jobe), he didn’t have a leak between the meter and his house, so that doesn’t fall under our procedures or policy to give him a sewage adjustment.” The policy, set in section 14 of Resolution 2000-3, adopted Oct. 2, 2000, reads: Should a consumer have a water leak in the main line between the meter and the residence, they may appeal an adjustment on the sewage portion of the bill if they present proof to the Board of Public Works and Safety they have paid a water leak invoice. Should the Board of Public Works and Safety approve an adjustment it will be figured on a three month average of this period during the past year.[[In-content Ad]]