City of Winooski Leak Adjustment Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide a basis for The City of Winooski to adjust high bills
caused by leaks causing abnormally high-water usage in water lines or equipment on
customers’ property that the customer could not reasonably have known about with normal
diligence. The reason for providing a policy for reducing these bills is to relieve possible
financial hardship on residents and businesses. (Abnormally high-water usage is defined for
the purposes of this policy as double the consumption over normal use)
Threshold Considerations
The Utility Manager shall not consider or approve any adjustment to water or sewer bills
unless an actual physical leak caused the abnormally high-water usage for which an
adjustment in the bill is requested, and the leak is located, documented, and repaired. Leak
adjustments to water and sewer bills will be considered when all of the following threshold
conditions have been met:
• Water use volume is double or greater than normal use, or the previous full billing
period if no history exists. (Normal use is defined for the purposes of this policy as
the average of the previous 8 quarters usage history)
• Customer requests adjustment in writing to the Utility Manager not less than five
(5) business days prior to due date. (e.g. If due date is Friday September 28th
then request must be into City Hall or the Utility Manager on or before Friday
September 21st). This request must state the nature of the leak, be accompanied
by documentary evidence that repairs have been performed (e.g., itemized
receipt for repair materials if purchased), and attested by signature of the
customer. When a plumber performs the repair work, the customer must provide
a billing invoice from the plumber stating the nature of the leak; the repairs
performed, and itemized receipts for repair materials.
• Customer has not received an adjustment within the last 48 months.
• Adjustments will be for residential and commercial customers only.
