Iluminada Aguilar, 76, was shocked to receive a nearly $2,400 water bill due to an equipment failure affecting thousands in Toronto. Her water meter's transmission unit had malfunctioned, leading to underestimations of her usage and a large catch-up bill. Despite city promises of assistance for such situations, Aguilar struggled to receive help until CBC Toronto intervened. The ongoing issues with water meter transmitters are affecting many homeowners, with a significant number failing since last year and resulting in inaccurate billing practices.
City staff have publicly promised payment plans would be available for customers who receive large catch-up bills and require flexibility to pay them.
Aguilar's fight with the city comes nearly a year after CBC first reported on MTUs failing prematurely.
While water meters themselves continue to function properly, the failing transmitters mean water usage information is not being sent to the city.
Aguilar has lived in her Parkdale home for more than 30 years. She lives off a pension and rents out her upstairs floor to help cover costs.
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