New water meter almost doubles consumption

Six months ago I had two gentlemen arrive at my premises to install a new water meter.

They could not give me a reason for the replacement. Their response was that they were sub-contracted to the municipality to replace all meters in this street.

I reluctantly agreed (my neighbour refused point blank to have theirs replaced) for the replacement to go ahead.

I made a point of photographing the old meter’s final reading.

They went to work and after a loss of 123 litres of water installed the new one.

Six months, later after numerous phone calls and emails, I have yet to see the new meter number or reading on my statement

The old meter is still reflected on my statement and miraculously still being read.

And now I “use” almost double my previous consumption.

When I initially phoned to query this, I was given three email addresses to query the problem. I asked if I could get a direct number for these individuals, but she informed me “it would be better if you email because they most probably won’t answer their phones”.

Number one replied that it would be forwarded to the relevant person.

Number two replied that I would receive a reply within 10 days.

Number three was out of office on annual leave.

Forward three weeks and I received another e-mail stating the matter had been forwarded to someone else.

At the same time, could I please supply the number of the new meter as well as the current reading.

I thought that should have been their responsibility.

A week later and another e-mail stating that the query had now been forwarded to the meter reading section for investigation.

That was a week ago and still no feedback.

Yesterday morning I collected my latest statement from my mailbox, and guess what? Still the old water meter but now estimated.

And five kilolitres more than my average to boot.

If I were not a regular, honest, paying consumer, I’d consider removing the meter and connecting directly to the main supply.

I guarantee I’d get a response pronto.

Sherwin Schreiber,

Bluewater Bay, Port Elizabeth