REGINA — Living with no water is a reality many couldn’t deal with, but for Regina resident Alan Bodnarchuk, that has now become his normal life.
Bodnarchuk’s water was shut off by the City of Regina over a month ago after refusing to pay water bills he believed were overcharged.
“When they first installed the [new] water meter, the first one, my bill went up by over $100 or close to $100,” he said.
The city started changing water metres at the time as part of an upgrade project, which began in 2022. Bodnarchuk said his water bill was normally around $130 before the change was made.
Bodnarchuk immediately called the city, telling them something was wrong with the metre. The city told him the increase was due to seasonal watering, but Bodnarchuk wanted the water meter removed.
After the city refused, Bodnarchuk decided not to use any water besides bathing and washing 17 loads of clothing and seven loads of dishes for the next month.
Despite using less water, Bodnarchuk's next water bill was $176, which the city believed was caused by a leak.
Bodnarchuk knew the increase couldn’t have been because of a leak, as he checked his taps and toilet after receiving his first bill.
The city eventually changed Bodnarchuk’s water meter for the second time.
“Everything went back to $136, even though according to them [the city], I still had a leak.”
Bodnarchuk kept questioning the city about their reading and even asked for a report back when they did a meter reading.
“They told me that they wouldn't give me the data or the meter reading because I didn't agree to accept the results.”
“In other words, it's like saying if you go to court, then you're getting falsely accused of something, and then they say ‘well we'll give you a plea deal, but you have to admit you committed a crime.’
Refusing to accept the city’s justification, Bodnarchuk's bills went unpaid until his water was shut off
“I'm [now] having to drink shingled water off the roof and bathe in dirty shingle water.”
Bodnarchuk feels his health is worsening by the day.
“I'm getting sick, like I've already got multiple comorbidities and disabilities.”
Bodnarchuk fears this could eventually lead to the worst outcome.
“I’ll probably die because I can't consume the proper amount of potable water.”
As someone who works for the city, Bodnarchuk never imagined this could happen to anyone.
SaskToday reached out to the City of Regina for a response and will update the article once a statement is given.
