High bill due to a leak? You may be eligible for a bill adjustment.
If your SAWS bill is unusually high due to a leak on your property that has since been repaired, you may be eligible for a credit on your account to cover part of the cost of the excess water lost.
Please note that SAWS has no legal obligation to grant a bill adjustment for water loss due to a customer leak. However, we are willing to work with you to grant a reasonable adjustment if certain conditions are met.
What kinds of leaks can receive an adjustment?
The following types of leaks may be eligible for review:
- Faucet
- Toilet (supply line or tank)
- Shower head
- Broken pipe (in wall, foundation, yard, etc.)
- Irrigation system*
- Pressure reducing valve (PRV)
- Flex supply line (sink, ice maker, dishwasher, etc.)
- Water heater or water softener (supply line, faulty fill mechanism)
- Swimming pool (supply line, faulty refill mechanism, broken/cracked lining/wall)
Tip: If you have a new SAWS ConnectH2O electronic water meter, complete and report your repair as soon as possible to qualify for a higher percentage of bill adjustment.
*Irrigation system leaks include breaks in the main line or non-working nozzles causing excess water use during operation. It does NOT include instances where a customer was unaware of controller settings or was operating the system more often for any reason.
Documents needed to show proof of leak repair
Before we can consider your request for a leak adjustment, we’ll need documentation that the leak was repaired. Acceptable documents include:
- Receipt(s) from a licensed plumber
OR
- Receipt(s) for plumbing supplies you purchased and installed yourself
OR
- A detailed description of the repair that was performed
Important: SAWS does NOT reimburse for the cost of plumbing repairs. Receipts are ONLY to verify that repairs were made.
Tip: If you don’t have an electronic copy of your receipt, take a photo of it with your phone.
Once I apply for an adjustment, what happens next?
We will review the information you provide to determine if the type of repair is eligible for an adjustment and the adjustment amount, if applicable. Please note the review process may take up to two months.
To calculate an adjustment, there must be a decrease in water use and/or a return to normal use after the leak is repaired. We will adjust a portion of the usage caused by the leak for up to two months.
What happens to my account balance while I wait for you to review my request?
During the review process, your account will be placed in a “hold” status. This will prevent late payment penalties and avoid a service disconnection for nonpayment.
However, because any adjustment granted will only cover a portion of your bill, please continue making regular monthly payments — at a minimum, the average amount of your bills prior to the leak.
Now that you know how the leak adjustment process works, choose an option below:
No, I don’t seem to be eligible for an adjustment.
Since I don’t meet the requirements listed above, there’s no reason for me to submit a bill adjustment request.
Yes! I’m ready to apply for a leak adjustment!
If your leak type is listed above AND you have the required documents to show it has been repaired, you can request a bill adjustment.