Any advice for getting our water back on

[Amira]

I am not sure what to do, or if you are in the right place for this problem. I have been renting an apartment from 2012 till today. My landlord passed away, and he had a something like an $8000 water bill. His power of attorney is his sister, Carla. She lives in Germany, and I have NO WAY to get in touch with her.
The water comp shut off the water, and for months now I have trying to do WHATEVER I have to for the water to be turned back on. I have been getting different stories of the policies that I have to do, which was give the water comp access to change the meter, which the landlord was not giving them access to the basement. I have been doing my best to get this water back on. My son will be 2 in April, and I don't think it's fair that I have to make other arrangements for his bath, etc. He needs a humidifier to be used every night, and sometimes I just can't ski because I'm extremely upset about how many people who work for the water company
They told me NUMEROUS TIMES to get the meter updated, and I have to go to the office with my rent receipts and the utility bills, which are gas and electric. Those are both in my name, and get the water switched to my name, and I would be responsible for the water gluing forward till I move. At that time, I'd get ALL UTILITIES SHUT OFF. The water camp now tells me if I want the water turned back, I am responsible for paying THE ENTIRE BALANCE! 1ST AND FOREMOST, I HAVEN'T EVER BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WATER BILLS SINCE I MOVED IN!
Can you please let me know what to do, or my rights for my son? I have already filed a complaint against the water camp with the PUC. I was talking to a few friends who said get a lawyer and try calling the news stations in my city to come out and do an interview. I just wanted to make sure that's the best, most effective way to go about getting the water turned back on.
Please, if you can help me or give me an idea what I should do about this, e-mail me or call. My name is Dawn, and I'd appreciate this situation be dealt with legally, if I need to.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Hi Aisha,
FISH where? What county, etc. As we can see if we can get a better number for you. Otherwise, we do have general information about how to turn on utility service.
While that page is more focused on "utilities" in general, much of it can apply to water service too. But there is no way to actually get help in one day though.

Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Aisha, and I need help restore my water. It was disconnected today. I have 4 children, all under 16 years of age.
Upon speaking with the utility company, they are asking for $1175.98 to restore today. I don't even have $500 in my account so looking for advice.
Please help me. The company gave me F.I.S.H number to contact for help. I tried calling but no answer.
I would really appreciate your help in this matter. Please, its urgent.
Thank you very much.

[Putin]

Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Aisha, and I need help restore my water. It was disconnected today. I have 4 children, all under 16 years of age.
Upon speaking with the utility company, they are asking for $1175.98 to restore today. I don't even have $500 in my account so looking for advice.
Please help me. The company gave me F.I.S.H number to contact for help. I tried calling but no answer.
I would really appreciate your help in this matter. Please, its urgent.
Thank you very much.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We are not sure what to tell you. There are some programs for getting water turned back on, and you can find them here. http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html ... tance.html
Dallas based agencies usually offer that assistance last...but they may have some funds. Generally they want to keep the service on vs. pay for re connection fees, but you can ask them. Good luck.

[Whiskey]

Hello,
I’m writing to request assistance. I don’t always have access to a telephone so email is my only way to communicate. I’m a 52 year old unemployed female living in DeKalb County. I have an outstanding water bill and currently my water has been disconnected for over a month. I also have a medical condition, Hidradenitis Suppurativa that causes me to have large oozing cysts. Being able to wash myself is vital because of infection risks. I have been buying water to wash with. I’ve also been catching water from my roof. It’s not easy for me to ask for help but my need is desperate.

[Sayers]

We are family of 13 ( 3 of them under 1) living together in a house trying to make ends meet in today’s economy. The men are unable to find steady work in are area. Our problem currently is are water was just shut off and we can't get assistance because it isn't in anyone’s name who lives in the house. The city requires the bill to be in the owners name. The owner is deceased and it is now owned by the bank we guess.
We however don't have 400.00 to restore the water. It is so high because since the bill isn't in our name they never send us one we never know what’s due or when. They just come shut it off. Could you please help us we haven't had water all week. Thank you.