I wish to give wide publicity to the ordeal I went through recently due to the activities of the Water Board. I received a water bill for May - June 2008 for Rs. 7095.00 for consuming 100 units of water. For June - July 2008 it was Rs. 5090.19 for consuming 74.00 units. In the preceding months and thereafter the average monthly consumption was only 30 units. When I complained, I was requested to pay Rs. 1725.00 to have the meter checked. After payment, two new meters were installed and the old meter taken away for testing. By letter dated 11th February 2009, I was informed that the old meter was working satisfactorily and requested to pay the outstanding bills and avoid disconnection. I promptly paid up to avoid disconnection and further charges. During the period of two months where I was charged excessively, there were no leaking taps and the sump had no leaks.

In April 2006, when I faced a similar situation, after a complaint was made, I was subjected to the same procedure and was informed that the meter was faulty and it was replaced.

I fail to understand if the meter was not faulty this time, how I could have consumed 100 units and 74 units during the respective months without any leaking taps. I wish to point out that the Water Board took eight months to test the meter at their own workshop. They could not offer an explanation for the two high meter readings.

The Water Board has the total authority to install, read and test the water meters. The consumer has no way of checking the meter themselves. I wonder what the Minister in charge of the Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Consumer Affairs Authority have to say about this complaint.