When I got home from work yesterday, we didn't have any water. The temperature had dropped well below freezing overnight and hovered on the brink all day, but we had taken nice hot showers in the morning, so it didn't seem likely the pipes had frozen. After calling Carol next door and confirming her water was ok, I called City Maintenance to see if they were doing work in the area...
"Ma'am, your water has been disconnected for non-payment."
Ooops.
Most of our utilities are set up with automatic bank draft, but not the water. I guess I overlooked the December bill. Funny though - no Final Notice, no tag on the door with a number to call to get it turned back on, no chance to fill up the bathtub in preparation...
It turned out not to be a big deal. I just gave them a credit card number and someone was back out here within a couple of hours. Made me think what a little crisis it could have been though if I was say, a single mum with kids in diapers. Perhaps without a credit card, having to scramble to find the cash, maybe take a taxi or bus to the office to pay in person. Could I go a few days without running water? Sheesh, I brush my teeth ten times a day.
Just a little something to think about next time you turn on the tap.
Gratitude.
*photo found on www.chinadaily.com.cn
