Burst water main advice

[Phil Laundy]

We have a duplex with two great tenants. 2 weeks ago both sides flooded due to broken water main in front yard. Of course it was my side of the meter so we paid about $2k to replace the entire run. Now the affected tenant has received a water bill for $527.00. Water company is refusing to adjust the bill and my tenant is asking what we’re going to do. Normal bill is about $70.00. Has anyone dealt with this before? I don’t think the tenant needs to foot the bill but man it sucks to spent another $500 since we also recently spent $3500 on an HVAC!