RE “EMOTIONS flow after water main break’’ (Metro, Nov. 4): The flooding problems in the South End of Boston are a predictable problem that occurs over and over again.
It was chronic during the 1990s, as a result of inadequate pumping stations and overall drainage problems. Basement apartments were flooded every few years after particularly heavy rains and especially when combined with abnormally high tides.
A lot of money and engineering went into solving these problems, but the fact is that there are pipes above the basements carrying water and sewage. Gravity always works, and water finds the lowest level. This problem will never go away until living in basements is eliminated.
Who is to blame for this mess? Let’s begin with owners and landlords who want to extract maximum value from property and build these basement apartments. Zoning boards are equally to blame for allowing people to live in places that are unfit for human habitation. Finally, those who rent or buy these places knew the risk before moving in. They were looking for cheaper rent in the city.
It is unreasonable to expect the Water and Sewer Commission to keep every pipe perfect all of the time, but that is what is needed to make these places safe. Everyone living in a basement apartment is at risk.
Frederick A. Liberatore
North Billerica 
