Mayor warns of water line notices
Published 8:51 am Friday, March 6, 2015
Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette warned citizens earlier this week to be aware of a document being sent out that appears to resemble water bills.
The document is being sent out by HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp., with its corporate offices in Norwalk, Conn. According to the document, HomeServe is an independent company separate from your local utility or company.
“This is something the city did not send out and wanted the citizens to be aware of,” Perrette said. “This is something the city is not recommending. This is something extra and not something we’re trying to put on our residents. It’s misleading to the public.”
The text of the notice reads:
“This letter is to inform you that as a homeowner you are responsible for the full cost of repairing your exterior water line. We have found that your property at (address whited out) is not covered with Exterior Water Line Service from us.
“The water service line buried underground on your property could fail without warning, leaving you responsible for the cost of repair,” the letter continued. “Repair or replacement of this line can be expensive costing you thousands of dollars in unforeseen expenses, which could burden finances.”
Perrette said citizens should use caution.
“If you choose to do this, you’re doing it on your own accord,” Perrette said. “This is not something the city is requiring.”