High water bill from a leak: can you get an adjustment?

What Atlanta may adjust

Atlanta Watershed Management lists billing errors, fees and penalties, leaks (including some customer-side leaks and leaks from vandalism), meter leaks and department errors as reasons an adjustment may be granted (Atlanta Watershed Management).

Proof you need

The city says leak requests must include satisfactory proof that the leak existed and was repaired, such as paid invoices, receipts for parts, reports or photographs. Invoices without proof of payment will not be accepted (Atlanta Watershed Management). Ask your plumber for a paid invoice that describes the leak and the repair.

Deadlines

• File within 12 months of the "Payment Due By" date on the bill with the charges (ATL311).
• Pay the Temporary Payment Amount within 20 days of the acknowledgement letter, or the request will not be processed (ATL311).
• Appeal within 14 days of receiving the decision letter (ATL311).

How to file

Submit the completed Adjustment Request Form online through ATL311, by email, by mail or in person at a Watershed Management walk-in center. The form must be fully complete or it will not be processed (ATL311).

Fulton County water customers

Fulton County offers adjustments for leaks that are non-routine and not preventable by proper maintenance. After the repair, submit its Leak Adjustment Request Form with a plumber's repair bill, or a receipt for materials if you made the repair yourself (Fulton County). Other providers set their own rules, so check with the utility on your bill.

Common questions

How do I find the leak?

Start with the water meter check and the toilet dye test. EPA WaterSense says a stuck toilet fill valve can waste 4,300 gallons a day (EPA WaterSense).