Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a fair and consistent process for considering water bill adjustments resulting from accidental water leaks while protecting the financial interests of the City and its utility customers.

Eligibility for Leak Adjustments

The City may grant a water bill adjustment when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The leak was accidental and beyond the customer’s reasonable control.
2. The leak has been repaired.
3. The customer provides documentation of the repair, which may include:
   • Plumber invoice or receipt
   • Materials receipt for self-repair
   • Photographs of the repair
   • Written statement describing the repair
4. The customer submits a Leak Adjustment Request Form within 60 days of the repair.
5. The account is current or arrangements have been made for payment of any outstanding balance.

Qualifying Leaks

Examples of leaks that may qualify for an adjustment include:

• Underground service line leaks
• Leaks beneath a home or structure
• Concealed plumbing leaks inside walls
• Broken water lines between the meter and residence
• Water heater failures resulting in continuous water loss
• Toilet leaks that are not readily apparent and result in excessive usage
• Other hidden leaks approved by the Public Works Director

Non-Qualifying Situations

The City may not provide adjustments for:

• Vehicle washing
• Pressure washing
• Water used for construction activities
• Water intentionally left running
• Leaking faucets or fixtures that are clearly visible and not repaired promptly
• Water theft or unauthorized use by the customer
• Negligence or failure to maintain plumbing after notice of a problem
• Leaks occurring after a previous leak adjustment has been granted within the eligibility period

Adjustment Calculation

The adjustment shall be calculated as follows:

1. The City shall determine the customer’s average monthly consumption based on the previous 12 months of billing history.
2. Excess usage above the average shall be identified.
3. The City may credit up to 50% of the excess water charges attributable to the leak.
4. Base service charges, meter fees, and other fixed fees shall not be adjusted.

Sewer Adjustments

If sewer charges are based on water consumption and the leaked water did not enter the sewer system, the City may adjust sewer charges associated with the excess usage. Examples of leaks that qualify for a sewer adjustment include:

• Lawn watering
• Garden irrigation
• Filling swimming pools
• Hot tubs or decorative ponds

Adjustment Limits

• Leak adjustments are limited to one billing occurrence per event.
• Commercial accounts may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Policy Statement

Water passing through a meter is presumed to have been delivered to the customer. Leak adjustments are a courtesy provided by the City and are not guaranteed. Each request shall be reviewed according to this policy and applicable City ordinances.

Adopted by the City Council of the City of Anderson, Missouri on August 18, 2026.

Rusty Wilson, Mayor — Andi Bethel, City Clerk