Lien on Home After Change of Ownership

My question involves real estate located in the State of: Virginia
I bought a bank owned property (closed on Feb 17th, 2009) early this year. I received a lien notice from the county water authority for outstanding water and sewer bills on the property addressed to previous owners (who foreclosed) on March 15th and $X was due by March 31st. The liens were filed on court Feb 18th (a day after I closed) and were recorded in court on March 4th. Now the interest rates are being levied each month and my owner's title insurance company is just dragging their feet on this (I made a claim). In these circumstances what is my best approach? Should i even pay the amount? Is the lien even valid as it was in the previous owner's name and GOD knows where they are now?
Please advice as it is time critical - interests go up again end of this month!
Thanks.

You should have a real estate lawyer review your title work and purchase contract. Odds are the contract left you on the hook for the unpaid fees, but I can't tell unless I read them. The title company will likely inform you that they did their job - there were no encumbrances on the property when you closed - and they have neither the ability or obligation to anticipate future liens against the property.