Water Bill for 172 Floyd Avenue

The East York Community Council recommends that:

(1)a credit in the amount of $110.00 be made to the property owner of 172 Floyd Avenue having regard that no reason can be found to explain why the water bill is so high; and further, that the Supervisor, Revenue Services, East York Office, and the property owner be requested to monitor the meter readings for the next 12 months;

(2)the following report (December 7, 1998) from the Supervisor, Revenue Service, Regional Customer Service, East York, be received; and

(3)the following communication (November 27, 1998) from Ms. Marie Weichel, East York be received:

Purpose:

To investigate the unusually high water consumption at the above property.

Financial Implications:

The average annual cost of water for the property at 172 Floyd Ave. is $185.00. The bill in question is $197.49 for a four month period, or approximately $110.00 more than the average bill.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

According to East York Water By-law 11-90, paragraph S(viii) "All water passing through the water meter will be charged for, whether used or wasted. If a meter becomes out of order or fails to register, the consumer will be charged at the average consumption as shown by the meter when in order."

Comments:

The normal water consumption at the property works out to an average of .49 cubic metres per day. During the period in question the average consumption is 1.56 cubic metres per day, more than triple. The water usage at the property has been very consistent up until the bill in question. Even the summer consumption is not substantially higher than the normal water bills.

Conclusion:

The water inspector attended the property and found no leaks which would explain such a large variance in the water consumption. At the time of this visit he obtained a meter reading which indicates that the average daily consumption is back in line (.45 cubic metres per day). We know of no reason why the bill in question is so high. Normally the inspector notices a toilet or tap leaking, however, none could be found at the time of the inspection.

We have in the past suggested that the meter be tested at a cost of $60.00 to the property owner which would be refunded if the test came back stating that the meter was faulty. Should the test conclude that the meter was registering within standards, the bill would stand and the property owner would be responsible for the $60.00. Since, in this case, the meter readings appear to be back in line, I don't believe that testing the meter is necessary.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Jim Blair

397-4878

The East York Community Council also submits the following communication (November27,1998) from Ms. Marie Weichel, East York:

"Can you help? I am having a problem with the attached water bill I received in the amount of $197.49. There is obviously something wrong when you compare previous bills as noted below.

Sept.26/27 - Feb. 9/98$65.9064 - Consumption

Feb. 9/98 - May 29/98$59.8359 - Consumption

May 29/98 - Sept. 29/98$197.49192 - Consumption

In the 7-8 years I have owned this house I have always paid approx. $60.00 for water. I have spoken with Jim at East York Water Dept. several times regarding this latest bill and we tried a couple of ways of checking for leaks, he also sent someone from the Water Dept. to check the meter and leaks, but there are no leaks.

I have done nothing major inside nor outside the house nor have I had any water problems which could create this much consumption. 192 units within a 4 month period is more water than I would use in a year. I believe Jim at the Water Dept. knows I did not use all that water, but he says there is nothing he can do, because they have no way of explaining it to their auditors, but Michael they have no way of explaining it to me either. I don't think they can just bill the consumer for three times the normal consumption (which they can't explain) and tell me I have to pay it.

I would appreciate your assistance."

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The following persons appeared before the East York Community Council in connection with the foregoing:

-Ms. Marie Weichel, East York; and

-Mr. John Papadakis, East York.