Leak Adjustment Policy

Occasionally customers will experience a leak in their private plumbing system. (Customers are responsible for their water lines after the water meter.) The City has adopted a leak adjustment policy (see code link below) so customers will not have to absorb the entire cost of an increased water bill due to a leak.

If a customer brings a probable leak to the attention of the Kalama Public Works Department within 10 days of discovering a leak, or within 10 days of notification by a City employee, or within 20 days after receiving a bill which they seek to challenge – and the leak is then repaired within 10 days and confirmed by Public Works - the customer shall be entitled to an adjustment. If the leak qualifies for an adjustment, the following calculations apply:

Adjustment to water charge- calculated average of the the last 12 representative months comprising an approximate one year period. The difference between the water charge on the challenged bill and the average water charge should be determined by subtracting the calculated average water charge from the water charge on the challenged bill. Customer responsibility = the average water charge + 50% of the difference between the water charge on the challenged bill and the average water charge.

Adjustment to sewer charge- calculated average of the the last 12 representative months comprising an approximate one year period. The difference between the sewer charge on the challenged bill and the average sewer charge should be determined by subtracting the calculated average sewer charge from the sewer charge on the challenged bill. Customer responsibility  = average sewer charge.

Note: there are provisions for bills related to seasonal usage, instances where 12 previous billing cycles do not exist, and empty residences that would have otherwise had no usage.

Kalama Municipal Code: Leak Adjustments Click Here

Leaks that don't qualify for an adjustment:

Leaks due to running toilets, dripping faucets, sprinkler systems, or water features are specifically excluded from adjustment. These exclusions are meant to prevent customers from allowing leaks to continue without repair and then expect an adjustment.

Adjustments & Next Steps 

For an adjustment, complete the Water Leak Adjustment form and submit to City Hall. Public Works will confirm the leak has been repaired. Depending on the timing of the leak, the customer may wish to make a good-faith payment in the amount of their last previous unchallenged bill in order to avoid a late fee.

Once the adjustment has been processed and approved, the customer’s account will be credited.

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