(A) Water leaks and unexplainable high usage. If a leak or unexplainable high usage occurs, as verified by city water system personnel, and this causes the water bill to be more than five times greater than a normal bill at a given meter, the customer will be billed an average water charge and an average sewer charge (if applicable) for that customer, plus one-half of the excess water charge and one-half of the excess sewer charge (if applicable). If it can be verified that the excess usage had no impact on the sanitary sewer system, then all of the charges for sewer above the average sewer charge for the customer will be waived. In case of rental property, the charges for the excess water (and sewer, if applicable) shall be the responsibility of the property owner when it is clear that the reason for the excess usage is because of a piping or plumbing deficiency.
(B) Water meter accuracy.
(1) If there is a dispute concerning the accuracy of a water meter, a customer can request that the meter be tested for proper calibration. If the meter is determined to be inaccurate following the test procedure, the city will be responsible for the full cost of the testing, for the cost and installation of a new water meter, and the city will make a reasonable adjustment of the customer’s bill based on the customer’s usage history.
(2) If, however, the meter is found to be accurate, the customer will be responsible for the full cost of the testing procedure, as well as the full cost of the water bill as disputed.
(C) Pools. Residents may request a once a year sewer adjustment for a month when they fill a swimming pool. Once the resident notifies City Hall, a city employee will verify the quantity, either by historical adjustments, field measurements or by actual metering. The sewer charge will be waived for the amount of water that was used specifically for filling the pool.
(D) Lawns. A sewer adjustment will be given for new lawns planted following new building construction. Residents or property owners may request an adjustment of the sewer charge on a monthly bill within the first year following payment of the tap fees, not to exceed three adjustments, for water used to water new sod or newly planted grass seed. The city will determine how much water the customer would usually use for the month the adjustment is requested (based on their applicable seasonal water usage history) and will waive the sewer charge for the water used in excess of normal usage. If a Customer has no water usage history with the city, a reasonable adjustment will be made based on comparable information from customer’s with similar situations.
(E) Other. Any other credits or adjustments can be considered and decided on a case by case basis by the Utilities Clerk, in consultation with the Utilities Director, and so reported to the Mayor. Any disagreement with the decision can be appealed to the City Council.
(Ord. 518-02, passed 2-17-2003; Ord. 663-14, passed 6-16-2014)