I had "0 usage" from 2007 on or so as far as their records go back. The meter was replaced in 2004.

I explained to City Hall the ex paid all the utilities and soon after the meter was replaced, two people moved out and that I never paid a water bill anywhere and thought $20-25 was about right for a single occupant, rarely home, HE washer...etc. She said "you should have known that 0 usage was not correct". I replied that "you should have known that a new meter shouldn't malfunction". After she repeated that the meter reading was actual I asked how it was read. "Someone came out" she replied. I said who came out to read meter before? Because my meter, as of this morning still reads 77 NOT 162 as your meter read states.

Needless to say, she got caught up in some verbal BS.

Someone coming out Tuesday to check meter. I will not let them replace meter until I get an answer about the $461 and an explaination for the "current reading" which is not what is on the meter.

My partner pays $35 every 3 months, so $461 may be about right for 3 years use. I will make sure they give me 3 years to pay the balance, interest free if worse case scenario.