Water Wars
By Ghost Writer
@Writingghost (5196)
United States
August 22, 2020 7:51am CST
We seem to have found ourselves in the middle of a water war. A person leased the property next to us. That property had no water rights. While we were away the person who leased that property tapped into our water line. We pay for those water rights. Now we don't even have enough water pressure when he is watering his fields to get a drink of water from the tap.
We are trying to be good neighbors, and it's getting harder. We politely asked that he let the water board know that he would be paying 80% of the bill and he would only water at night so we could do laundry, get a drink of water, and maybe even shower again.
We've sent certified letters and the next step is legal action. It's just sad.
15 people like this
16 responses
@moffittjc (121663)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Aug 20
Why go through all that trouble when all you have to do is go out to your water line and cut the line he tapped into. Problem solved. If he tries to tap in again, shoot him. lol
Seriously, though, sorry to hear that you are dealing with this problem. Could you report him to the water board and let them know he illegally tapped into your water line?
3 people like this
@moffittjc (121663)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Sep 20
@Writingghost He's on the water board and is stealing water? That's not only unethical, but a criminal offense. You can report him to the state for his illegal and unethical behavior.
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
Yes, we have some options, but he is on the water board and feels very entitled. He knows what he is doing in wrong. At least once a week we shut it all off to try and make a point. That has not brought him to have a conversation. We walk that way, he jumps into a vehicle and leaves.
2 people like this
@jnrdutton (3181)
• United States
22 Aug 20
If he's any kind of decent person he'll do as you've asked.
3 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
25 Aug 20
It will be interesting. I am certain he is not slowing down at all. In fact, he came at midnight and turned it on. Yes, we noticed.
2 people like this
@Downwindz (2537)
• Netherlands
26 Aug 20
I am really sorry that you're going through this with your neighbors. Somehow I always get surprised when I read stories like this, that people just assume they can tap into others supplies.
My prayers that it will get solved quickly.
2 people like this
@Downwindz (2537)
• Netherlands
30 Aug 20
@Writingghost true it is only money, yet it is also as much the fact they did not ask if you where okay with them tapping into your water supply.
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
Well in the end it's only money. I try to keep that in mind so I am not so angry.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112962)
• El Paso, Texas
29 Aug 20
He's showing his true colors @Writingghost I wouldn't trust him.
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
He could still come ask and explain.
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
22 Aug 20
It's hard to be around someone inconsiderate.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
25 Aug 20
I believe he could go to jail for it as I read the law today.
2 people like this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
25 Aug 20
@Writingghost I think that's better so that those inconsiderate people will learn their lesson!
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
I am thinking that he somehow feels entitled. He has done the same thing to the home on the other side. I am not sure if they are aware. We filmed it.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (43334)
• United States
29 Aug 20
@hereandthere That means a lot of water usage. That is not good when you have to pay for it.
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
Well, he leased land with no water rights. Had he come and said "Hey I need the water will you let me have it and pay my share, we would have agreed in a heart beat Instead he came on our property and tapped into the line. We know that he did it while my brother was in the hospital because we were all other places then. It didn't take too long to figure out. we turned off our water and all his sprinkler and hoses stopped flowing. Pretty straight forward.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160908)
• United States
26 Aug 20
That sounds so stressful. I am with Jeff--cut his connection. He trespassed and is also stealing. He is not a good neighbor.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
We asked the attorney about that approach and he is pondering the best route.
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
22 Aug 20
so only you get the bill, a bigger bill, but the neighbor never does?
how big a field is he watering?
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
26 Aug 20
@Writingghost that's pretty big. is it reflected on your bill already? are you going to pay it?
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
@hereandthere The bill won't come until they turn off the nonculinary water for the season. I will pay 1/3 of the bill. Because I know that we didn't use even that much. I will explain that he should be charged for the other and remove the water line that he illegally tapped into. I will probably have to bring the attorney to the preceding.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
29 Aug 20
@Writingghost I would turn off the water whenever you are not using it yourself.
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
Yes it does and I am certain it is. It is just hard to determine how much its worth to fight.
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9219)
• Austin, Texas
26 Aug 20
It is sad that other people deliberately set out to make you miserable. You got yourself a nasty neighbor and now you have to be aggravated to deal with them and set the matter straight. Sounds like you can take legal action and win.
I saw a woman on the news yesterday who rented out a room. The person has locked themselves into the room, is not paying the rent, and won't leave! He has been told that because of the restrictions due to COVID-19 she can't evict the person. She has to go to the laundry room in her apartment building to use the sink to brusher her teeth, etc. She has been told she has no legal recourse to get rid of the tenant.
Imagine that! At least your neighbor is not in the house with you!
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
If he tries to come in my door he will leave with buckshot. @cmoneyspinner that seems so wrong. I hope someone helps.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37369)
• Toccoa, Georgia
26 Aug 20
You need to report it to the Water Company.
2 people like this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
He's a member of the water board. It's not going to be pretty.
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Aug 20
We agreed to nothing. I told him straight out he is stealing water. He knew that property has no legal water rights and eventually he'll have to be accountable. I asked him stay off our posted property. We turn it off and he comes and turns it on or waits until we are trying to water the yard.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13454)
• United States
31 Aug 20
that is a lot to do with, not a good thing, I hope it gets solved quickly.
@LindaOHio (181348)
• United States
22 Aug 20
You definitely need to get this sorted out! Good luck. Have a great Saturday.