Policy on adjustments for water leaks

[jjcrump]

Would someone share their policy on adjusting for water leaks on the customers side? We have been charging regular rates on their average monthly use and our cost (we buy water) for any gallons over. This is becoming a problem because we are spending a lot of time looking for these leaks which is very costly.
Thanks,
JJ Crump

[brock]

Our ordinance follows, which seems to get modified about every 16 months or so in response to a particular problem we are having (like shoddy workmanship for new construction).


SECTION 705.060: ADJUSTMENTS
A. The City may adjust any customer utility bill when any such customer usage exceeds that customer's normal usage by more than one hundred percent (100%) as a result of a water leak. The adjusted water billing shall be computed by deducting the monthly metered average of the last three (3) months from the meter reading that includes the leakage and then charging such customer for fifty percent (50%) of the remainder. This adjustment shall not apply to any service address where the structure has not been issued an occupancy permit by the appropriate regulatory authority. No more than one (1) adjustment may be applied to any service connection or structure within any calendar year and shall not encompass charges for more than one (1) billing cycle.
B. Adjustments to sewer billing may be allowed when, in the sole opinion of the City, the leakage did not enter the sanitary sewer system. The adjusted sewer billing, for all accounts not billed on a sewer average, shall be computed by deducting the monthly metered average of the last three (3) months previous to the leakage from the meter readings that includes the leakage and then charging such customer for ten percent (10%) of the remainder. This adjustment shall not apply to any service address where the structure has not been issued an occupancy permit by the appropriate regulatory authority. No more than one (1) adjustment may be applied to any service connection or structure within any calendar year and shall not encompass charges for more than one (1) billing cycle.
C. No water or sewer adjustments will be made until the City is satisfied the repairs have been made.

[jjcrump]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. This is very helpful information.
JJ Crump

[DConner]

We used to use our cost for the "leaked" gallons but had to stop. We do allow them to make payments each month (with the $10.00 late fee charge) as long as they pay the current month bill (which includes the late fee).