Winnipeggers raising concerns over water bills

A couple of weeks ago, CityNews brought you the story of Erine Gruhen, a 72-year-old man who was billed $107,000 from the Winnipeg Water and Waste Department for his water bill.

Since then, a number of other people have come forward, claiming that their water bills have also been drastically higher than average.

Alissa Wilts has been trying to resolve her issues with the Winnipeg Water and Waste Department for the past year. Wilts is on the hook for a $23,639 water bill, all starting from a simple leak she didn’t know about.

“Last February, they sent me a notice that they needed a reading from me or they would disconnect my water, and so I immediately went and got a reading and sent it in, and then I didn’t hear anything from them until the end of July. I didn’t get a bill. I didn’t get anything until the end of July when someone called and said that the reading I had submitted in February was high, and they then sent me a bill, and that bill was $17,000,” Wilts explained.

Following the $17,000 bill she received in July, Wilts submitted another meter reading and says she had her leak fixed. However, a month later, she was hit with a $6,000 dollar bill. Totalling her bill to $23,639.

“I had to go in person to city hall to actually get the form to apply for the reduction, even because I couldn’t get through to someone to find out what I needed to do it. It’s very frustrating, I would just like someone to talk to me about this and explain their reasoning that they don’t even want to take accountability for the five months they didn’t contact me after they got that reading,” said Wilts.

CityNews reached out to the City of Winnipeg Water and Waste Department, but they would not talk specifically about Wilts’ billing issues. However, in a statement, they claimed, “This is why it is so important to provide regular, accurate water meter readings. It helps customers avoid estimated bills and catch-up bills, and ensures they only pay for the water they have used. Regular meter reads can also help identify those costly leaks. Customers should provide their meter readings as soon as they receive their reminder by mail or email. “

Wilt says she spoke to her insurance company, but says it doesn’t sound like it will be covered. She’s also put in a complaint with the Manitoba Ombudsman.

In the meantime, she will continue making payments, but says interest charges keep piling up.

“How can I keep up with this? I can’t, it’s not possible.”