§ 15.48.180. Adjustments—Concealed leaks and vandalism.

A.

Where concealed leaks have been discovered and repaired and an affidavit, on a form approved by the department, stating the leaks were concealed and that the leaks could not have been detected by the consumer or customer by employing reasonable care and supervision of their plumbing and that the leaks were of such a size as to cause the consumption as shown on the bill in question and that the plumbing system is now free from leaks, the consumer or customer shall either (1) be given a credit on the water portion of fifty percent of the excess caused by such leakage above the average monthly bill for the previous year, or (2) if the consumer or customer has already paid a higher bill due to a concealed leak, be reimbursed in an amount equal to fifty percent of the excess caused by such leakage above the average monthly bill for the previous year, provided the conditions of consumption and service used are the same for both periods of consumption, but in no case shall the adjusted bill for single-family residential dwellings be more than twice the average monthly bill.

The consumer or customer shall either (1) be given a credit on the sewer portion of the bill of fifty percent of the excess caused by such leakage above the average monthly bill for the previous year, or (2) if the consumer or customer has already paid a higher bill due to a concealed leak, be reimbursed in an amount equal to fifty percent of the excess caused by such leakage above the average monthly bill for the previous year, provided the conditions of consumption and service used are the same for both periods of consumption if the leaking water returned to the sanitary sewer. The consumer or customer shall be given a full credit on the sewer portion based upon the monthly average for the previous year, the conditions of consumption and service being the same for both periods of consumption if the leaking water did not return to the sanitary sewer. In no case shall the adjusted bill for single-family residential dwellings be more than twice the average monthly bill. Under no circumstances will a leak adjustment be given more than twice during a calendar year unless approved by the director or proper officials of the department.

Customers requesting an adjustment to their bill for excessive water and/or sewerage usage caused by the act of vandalism shall provide in writing all facts known regarding the act. It shall be within the discretion of officials of the department to decide the amount of the adjustment if warranted.

B.

It shall be within the discretion of the department to decide what constitutes a concealed leak; provided, that in no case where there is water-cooled refrigerating equipment or other equipment, which, by its characteristics, is liable at any time to waste or use abnormal quantities of water, shall adjustments reducing water bills or combined water and sewerage bills be made.

C.

No consumer using metered water shall be entitled to any reduction when he has been notified by an employee of the department of the existence of a leak within his plumbing and fails to take steps to have the same repaired immediately.

(Amdt. 1 to Ord. BL2007-1435 § 2, 2007; Ord. BL2007-1435 § 2, 2007; Ord. 94-1241 §§ 1, 2, 1994; prior code § 40-1-125)