Residential Leak Credit

The maintenance and repair of private plumbing systems are the responsibility of the water customer.  However, in the event of a private water leak for residential customers, the City may offer a leak credit and process a billing adjustment to the variable water charges for one billing period in which the water loss occurred.  

The leak credit is intended to provide for partial reimbursement to customers who suffer an unexpected and unintended increase in charges due to a water leak and to encourage prompt repair of such leaks.  The credit does not waive the water charges, but reduces the charges owed by 're-rating' the excess use  to the in Block 1 rate.  The water use is compared to the three-year consumption history for the property during the same billing period to determine the excess water use that is attributable to the leak.  

What Water Use Qualifies as a Leak?

For the leak credit process, a leak is defined as unintentional water loss that results in  exceptional and unusually high water use which is caused by a broken, or otherwise malfunctioning, plumbing pipe or fixture. Unusually high water use is defined as water use that is at least three (3)  times the average consumption when compared to the water usage  for the same billing period during the last three years.

What Water Use is Considered a Non-Qualifying Leak?     

Unintended water use is not eligible for a leak credit and may include:  excess water use which is equal to less than three times the average water use compared to historical consumption for the same billing period;  excess use due to the resetting of irrigation timers,  installation of new irrigation systems, or accidental use of city water on properties with well water; water theft; customer negligence or non-responsiveness to warning signals or factors (high bills, leak notifications, visible water) that should have made the customer aware of the existence of a leak; or if a third party is responsible for the water loss at the property (contractor, vendor, etc.) and can be pursued for reimbursement by the customer.

How Do I Apply for a Leak Credit?

To apply for a leak credit, the customer may contact Customer Services at 858-668-4401 or via  email at  customerservices@poway.org to request a leak credit application.  The application with supporting documentation which includes a paid repair bill and photos must be returned within 30 days of when the customer was made aware of the leak.  This may include when receiving their bill statement, or a  phone call or  door tag notification left by Customer Services.   

A customer must have an active account for at least 12 months with the city that is in good financial standing.  The leak must be repaired prior to requesting a leak credit and bill adjustment.  Closed accounts and vacant properties are not eligible.  A leak credit is available for one bill period every three years for the property.  The application may not be considered if there is a  delay in repairs which result in continued water loss. The City reserves the right to deny any request for lack of proper documentation, non-qualifying events, violations of the Poway Municipal Code, or failure to meet any other leak credit requirements.