Imagine getting a water bill thousands of dollars more than your typical bill. That's exactly what happened to the American Legion #69 in Lafayette this month--all thanks to a leaky water valve.
"It was about $1,500 to replace it," said Post 69 Commander Harold Schoeffler. "Then we have to pay for the leak which came to about $1,800."
According to LUS, the leak was on the customer's side of the meter, so like any other customer, the American Legion is responsible for the water usage.
The bill was originally $6,800, but LUS was able to reduce it to $1,800. Schoeffler does not dispute what the American Legion owes, but does question whether or not a Lafayette pumping station, which is on the American Legion's property, could of had an impact on the leaky valve.
"The issue is, was that pumping station tied into our water system and our water meter?" asked Schoeffler.
Director of LCG Public Works, Tom Carroll says his department is investigating that possibility, but so far there is no evidence to support Schoeffler's theory.
"We're trying to make sure that there's nothing connected to the pumping station that would have come off the American Legion service line," said Carroll.
The American Legion has until Friday to the pay the bill, without service interruption.