Somerville Aldermen push for post-Aquapocalypse billing credit

On May 19, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

By Tom Nash

Somerville residents emerging from Aquapocalypse are asking the Board of Aldermen that they not to get stuck with the bill.

The half-hour system flush recommended after a boil water order was removed for the Boston area has some concerned their bills could be much higher than usual.

Alderman-at-Large Dennis Sullivan asked at the May 13 board meeting that the superintendent of water and sewer look into whether city residents will be able to receive a credit for the usage.

"I had one call from a three-family house with three 40-gallon tanks to clear up," he said. "(The owner) is concerned about her upcoming water bill."

Alderman-at-Large Bill White pointed out the city will have to make up for the lost income by increasing the overall billing, since the state no longer provides assistance.

"This is not of our own doing. (The MWRA) had a disaster," White said. "Maybe they're the ones who should be footing the bill."