Story Archive

Water, Water, Everywhere

Allister MacPherson died in his Port Colborne, Ont., Canada, home with the water running, but it took two weeks for his family to discover his death, and the city expected his estate to pay the resulting water bill — nearly C$600 (US$600). MacPherson’s daughter, Cara Zandvliet, initially approached the city staff and was told she had to pay. Mayor Vance Badawey instructed his staff that in the future they should inform customers in this situation of their options and immediately notify him. The city council also finally voted to only charge the estate $162.85 — the average water bill cost for the time period. But some council members opposed the compromise. “It’s not being paid out-of-pocket,” said Councilor Dave Elliott. “It’s not undue hardship on the family. If there isn’t a precedent, this may set it and open the floodgates.” (MS/Canoe) ...Interesting choice of words.