HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Workshop_Tab 02_10/30/2017 Village of T'equesta
345 Tequesta Drive �x 561-768-0700
Tequesta, FL 33469 , , "�� � www.tequesta.org
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Utility Memo
October 10, 2017
To:Jim Weinand,Acting Village Manager
From:Sam Heady, Deputy Director of Utilities
Reference: Excessive Variance Step Adjustment,Water Leak Credit
In 2016,the Village of Tequesta Counsel asked the Utility Department to look at revising the Leak Credit Policy.The
current policy allows a once in the lifetime adjustment to your water bill.This allows for unforeseen conditions to
your house and property for excessive water use.
The Counsel felt that the current policy was too stringent to our customers and asked me to review the current
policy and procedures.The Counsel was looking for middle ground in the policy and wanted it to be fair and
consistent with other Municipalities.
I have attached what the changes would look like in our code and in our rate structure.
The changes have met the Counsels criterion with being fair and consistent; but they have not reviewed the
current information.
Sincerely,
Sam Heady
Deputy Director of Utilities
Tequesta
�'ice-lfayor Frank D'_�mbxa ti1a��or AbbS�Brennan Council llemUer Tom Paterno
Council lfember Steve Okun Council�-tember Pince Arena
�'illage l�lanager��ichael R Couzzo,Jr.
Revised Clean Version of Excessive Variance Step Adjustment
Excessive Variance Step Adjustment—The Village Manager or designee may approve an excessive usage
credit(EUC)to a water bill,which, due to circumstances beyond the customer's control (e.g. leaks.on the
customer's side ofthe meter),reflects consumption in an amountthat is at least two times the customer's
average monthly usage over the previous 12-month period. No customer shall be eligible for such an
adjustment more than once per five calendar year period. No such adjustment shall be granted in the
event that the adjustment would cause a violation of Village Code Section 74-78 regarding prohibited free
service, or Village Code Section 74-81 regarding the provision of adequate revenue to cover all costs of
operation,maintenance and debt service. Any downward adjustment shall be made based on the Village's
then current step rates, to the step rate that results in an adjusted water bill commensurate with the
customer's average water bill over the previous 12 months of billing. The Village Manager or designee
shall determine that the customer meets each of the following criteria prior to approving any EUC:
a) Customer notifies the Village of Tequesta's Customer Service Department of an
excessive water bill that may be related to a leak or other circumstance beyond the
customer's control.
b) Water consumption exceeds two times the customer's average monthly usage over
the previous 12-month period.
c) Customer acted promptly to remediate excessive water use (e.g. had leak on
Customer's side ofthe meter repaired as soon as practicable) as documented by repair
receipts or other acceptable methods.
d) The request for EUC was made within 2 months of the remedial action.
No EUC will be approved where any of the following circumstances exist:
a) Excessive consumption is due to seasonal usage such as watering of sod, gardening, or
usage from filling swimming pools and hot tubs/whirlpools, or washing vehicles, etc....
b) A leak resulting in excessive consumption was caused by a third party from whom the
customer is able to recover their costs. Examples include, but are not limited to, theft,
vandalism, and negligence and construction damage, including unoccupied or vacant
properties.
c) When excessive consumption continues for two (2) or more months, there will be no
adjustment for the second or subsequent months.
d) The meter has been accessed, tampered with, or turned on/off by anyone other than a
Village of Tequesta Utility employee and that action results in excessive consumption.
e) The EUC would violate Village Code Sections 74-78 or 74-81.
f) A leak adjustment was issued within the past five-years (5j for the same customer at
the same address.
At the discretion of the Village Manager, or designee, a credit may be applied to an account based on
unusual and extenuating circumstances. However, in no circumstances shall such credit exceed $100
dollars.
Revised Excessive Variance Step Adjustment
Village of Tequesta
Water Utilities Fees and Charges
1. Monthlv Water Service Charges
A. Residential and Non-Residential Rate Schedule—Base Facilities Charges-The
Base Facilities Charge is the minimum monthly charge and is based on meter size
and monthly billing period as follows:
Base Facilities Char e Table
Effective Effective Effective
Februa 1,2016 October 1,2016 October 1,2017
Meter Size:
5/8" or 3/4" $15.75 $17.01 $18.37
1" $39.31 $42.45 $45.85
1.5" $78.80 $85.10 $91.91
2" $125.82 $135.89 $146.76
3" $235.92 $254.79 $275.17
4" $393.16 $424.61 $458.58
6" $768.34 $849.25 $917.19
B. Meterin� of Multi-family Buildings (M.F.)—Where a single meter is installed in
a water connection serving a multi-family structure,the minimum monthly service
charge shall be the greater of i) an amount equal to the number of dwelling units
multiplied by the minimum charge for a 5/8 inch meter, or ii) the base facilities
charge for the installed meter size.
In the event there is a single meter measuring quantities of water for two (2) or
more residential units, the gallons measured and charged pursuant to the terms of
this section shall be prorated by dividing the total number of gallons metered by the
number of units included on the single meter.
C. Metering of Multi-Unit Buildings — Non-Residential — In the case of any non-
residential multi-unit building housing more than one (1) business or entity, each
business or entity therein shall be metered individually. Monthly minimum service
charges shall be based on the established charge by meter size. Where an existing
single meter is installed in a water connection serving two (2) or more businesses
or entities, the minimum monthly service charge shall also be based on the
established charge by meter size. Fire protection charges for fire lines shall be
separately included; see paragraph number 2 herein below.
Page 1 of 5
D. Quantity Rate Charges for Residential and Non-Residential Rate Schedule -
Applicable to all quantities of water shown by meter readings to have been
delivered as follows:
Quanti Ste Rate Table
Per 1,000 gallons Effective Effective Effective
or fraction thereof Februa l,2016 October 1,2016 October 1,2017
Step 1 $2.49 $2.69 $2.91
Step 2 $4.20 $4.54 $4.90
Step 3 $5.70 $6.16 $6.65
Step 4 $7.32 $7.91 $8.54
Gallona e Allowance er Quanti Ste Rate Table
Meter Size Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
3/4" 1 - 12,000 12,001 -25,000 25,001 -40,000 Above 40,000
1" 1 -30,000 30,001 -62,000 62,001 - 100,000 Above 100,000
1.5" 1 -60,000 60,001 - 125,000 125,001 -200,000 Above 200,000
2" 1 -96,000 96,001 -200,000 200,001 -320,000 Above 320,000
3" 1 - 180,000 180,001 -375,000 375,001 -600,000 Above 600,000
4" 1 -300,000 300,001 -625,000 625,001 - 1,000,000 Above 1,000,000
(" 1 -600,000 600,001 - 1,250,000 1,250,001 -2,000,000 Above 2,000,000
2. Fire Protection Charge
A. Monthlv Char�e - See Section 74.63, Village Code of Ordinances
Within the Village...................................................$1.21 monthly
Outside the Village..................................................$1.21 monthly
B. Private Fire Connections- * The following monthly service charges shall apply
to private fire lines for sprinkling systems or other fire protection systems:
Meter Size Amount
2" $10.80
3" $24.67
4" $44.71
6" $107.95
8" $185.03
10" $241.22
* No taps will be allowed which may be used for other than fire protection purposes;
and there shall be no connection with any other source of water.
Page 2 of 6
3. Meter Installation Char�e — All water meters shall be installed by the Village of
Tequesta, and the charge for making such meter installations or replacement of a meter of
a different size upon request of the customer shall be as follows(all meters installed remain
the property of the Village):
A.
Meter Installation Onl
Meter Size Amount
3/4" $244.08
1" $274.61
1.5" $549.19
2" $839.04
Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10%
B.
Meter Installation with Water Main Tap
(includes service line—maximum 100 LF)
Meter Size Amount
3/4" $732.27
1" $869.55
1.5" $1,159.40
2" $2,501.90
Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10%
4. Interrupted Service Charges
A. Meter Turn-On-(New Accounts)...................................................$38.12
B. Meter Turn-On or Turn-Off; Customer Request - (vacation or close-out of
account)
During business hours....................................................... $22.87
Non-business hours..........................................................$49.43
C. Meter Turn-Off; for Non-Payment - 4x min. monthly service charge for the
specific meter
D. Transfer of Service...................................................................$15.25
Page 3 of 6
5. Capital Connection Charge
Meter Size Water
3/4" $3,008.72
1" $7,521.72
1.5" $15,043.46
2" $24,069.51
3" $45,130.80
4" $75,218.00
6" $150,436.00
6. Securitv Deposits
Meter Size Amount
3/4" (adjust per index) $91.55
1" (3x month Service Char e) $117.94
1.5" (3x month Service Char e) $236.39
2" (3x month Service Charge) $377.42
3" (3x month Service Char e) $707.72
4° (3x month Service Charge) $1,179.50
6° (3x month Service Charge) $2,359.02
7. Interest on Deposits - See Section 74-68., Village Code of Ordinances.
8. Meter or Hvdrant Re-location for Customer's Convenience—Actual cost plus 10%of
all related charges. See Section 74-69., Village Code of Ordinances.
9. Emer�encv Bulk Water Service Rate,per 1,000�allons.................................$2.21
10. Capacitv Reservation Fee(monthlv per ERU)..........................................$10.33
11. Water Restriction Surcharge Adjustment — See Section 74-74., Village Code of
Ordinances.
12. Excessive Variance Step Adjustment—The Village Manager or designee may approve
an excessive usage credit(EUC)to a water bill,which,due to circumstances beyond the customer's
control (e.g. leaks on the customer's side of the meter), reflects consumption in an amount that is
at least two times the customer's average monthly usage over the previous 12-month period. No
customer shall be eligible for such an adjustment more than once per five calendar year period.
No such adjustment shall be granted in the event that the adjustment would cause a violation of
Village Code Section 74-78 regarding prohibited free service, or Village Code Section 74-81
regarding the provision of adequate revenue to cover all costs of operation, maintenance and debt
service. Any downward adjustment shall be made based on the Village's then current step rates,
to the step rate that results in an adjusted water bill commensurate with the customer's average
water bill over the previous 12 months of billing.
Page 4 of 6
The Village Manager or designee shall determine that the customer meets each of the following
criteria prior to approving any EUC:
a) Customer notifies the Village of Tequesta's Customer Service Department of an
excessive water bill that may be related to a leak or other circumstance beyond
the customer's control.
b) Water consumption exceeds two times the customer's average monthly usage
over the previous 12-month period.
c) Customer acted promptly to remediate excessive water use (e.g. had leak on
Customer's side of the meter repaired as soon as practicable) as documented by
repair receipts or other acceptable methods.
d) The request for EUC tivas made��°ithin 2 months of the remedial action.
No ELTC will be approved �vhere any of the following circumstances exist:
a) Excessive consumption is due to seasonal usage such as w�atering of sod,
gardening, or usage from filling swimming pools and hot tubs/whirlpools,
washing vehicles, or neglect of responsibilities from the customer.
b) A leak resulting in excessive consumption was caused by a third party from whom
the customer is able to recover their costs. Examples include, but are not limited
to, theft, vandalism, and negligence and construction damage, including
unoccupied or vacant properties.
c) When excessive consumption continues for two (2) or more months, there will be
no adjustment for the second or subsequent months.
d) The meter has been accessed, tampered with, or turned on/off by� anyone other
than a Village of Tequesta Utility- emplo��ee and that action results in excessice
consumption.
e) The EUC would violate Village Code Sections 74-78 or 74-81.
� A leak adjustment was issued within the past five-y�ears (�) for the same customer
at the same address.
At the discretion of the Village �lanager, or designee, a credit may be applied to an
account based on unusual and extenuating circumstances. However, in no
circumstances shall such credit exceed $100 dollars.
13. Miscellaneous Fees and Char�es
A. Returned Check - $25.00 if the face value does not exceed $50.00; $30.00 if the
face value is more than $50.00 but does not exceed $300.00; $40.00 if the face
value is more than $300.00.
B. Late Pavment Fees— 1%of outstanding delinquent amount with a minimum
charge of$5.00
C. Past Due Amounts on Disconnected Service - A 1%per month penalty will be
Page 5 of 6
charged on all past due amounts after discontinuance of service plus any and all
costs associated with securing collection of the past due amount.
D. Meter Re-read ..................................................................... .$15.25
E. Meter Testin�
3/4".................................................................................................. $68.68
1"................................................................................ $83.91
1.5"..................................................................................................... $99.17
2"............................................................................. $137.29
F. Field Premise Visit ................................................................... $22.87
G. Line Location Services..............................................................$61.04
H. Plan Review.............................3%of the construction cost,$150.00 minimum
I. Inspection Fee,Per Visit.............................................................$87.27
14. Tampering with Turned-Off Service
A. Removal charge..................................................................... $107.44
B. Re-installation charge
3/4"..................................................................................................$268.51
1"or Larger .............................................................Actual Cost
C. Destruction of ineter related equipment
(1) Assessment for replacement of ineter or meter related equipment
(2) A minimum of$27.75 administrative charge per occurrence
15. Surcharge-Customers Outside the Village-25% surcharge on monthly rates, fees, and
charges except for those set forth at Section 13.C.will be imposed for all customers located
outside the corporate limits of the Village.
16. Automatic Annual Rate Adjustment— See Sections 74-72 and 74-73, Village Code of
Ordinances.
Page 6 of 6
Existing Excessive Variance Step Adjustment
Villa�e of Tequesta
Water Utilities Fees and Char�es
1. Monthlv Water Service Char�es
A. Residential and Non-Residential Rate Schedule—Base Facilities Charges-The
Base Facilities Charge is the minimum monthly charge and is based on meter size
and monthly billing period as follows:
Base Facilities Char e Table
Effective Effective Effective
Februa 1,2016 October 1,2016 October 1,2017
Meter Size:
5/8"or 3/4" $15.75 $17.01 $18.37
1" $39.31 $42.45 $45.85
1.5" $78.80 $85.10 $91.91
2" $125.82 $135.89 $146.76
3" $235.92 $254.79 $275.17
4" $393.16 $424.61 $458.58
6" $768.34 $849.25 $917.19
B. Metering of Multi-familv Buildings (M.F.)—Where a single meter is installed in
a water connection serving a multi-family structure,the minimum monthly service
charge shall be the greater of i) an amount equal to the number of dwelling units
multiplied by the minimum charge for a 5/8 inch meter, or ii) the base facilities
charge for the installed meter size.
In the event there is a single meter measuring quantities of water for two (2) or
more residential units, the gallons measured and charged pursuant to the terms of
this section shall be prorated by dividing the total number of gallons metered by the
number of units included on the single meter.
C. Meterin� of Multi-Unit Buildin�s — Non-Residential — In the case of any non-
residential multi-unit building housing more than one (1) business or entity, each
business or entity therein shall be metered individually. Monthly minimum service
charges shall be based on the established charge by meter size. Where an existing
single meter is installed in a water connection serving two (2) or more businesses
or entities, the minimum monthly service charge shall also be based on the
established charge by meter size. Fire protection charges for fire lines shall be
separately included; see paragraph number 2 herein below.
Page 1 of 5
D. Quantitv Rate Charges for Residential and Non-Residential Rate Schedule -
Applicable to all quantities of water shown by meter readings to have been
delivered as follows:
Quanti Ste Rate Table
Per 1,000 gallons Effective Effective Effective
or fraction thereof Februa 1,2016 October 1,2016 October 1,2017
Step 1 $2.49 $2.69 $2.91
Step 2 $4.20 $4.54 $4.90
Step 3 $5.70 $6.16 $6.65
Step 4 $7.32 $7.91 $8.54
Gallona e Allowance er Quanti Ste Rate Table
Meter Size Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
3/4" 1 - 12,000 12,001 -25,000 25,001 -40,000 Above 40,000
1" 1 -30,000 30,001 -62,000 62,001 - 100,000 Above 100,000
1.5" 1 -60,000 60,001 - 125,000 125,001 -200,000 Above 200,000
2" 1 -96,000 96,001 -200,000 200,001 -320,000 Above 320,000
3" 1 - 180,000 180,001 -375,000 375,001 -600,000 Above 600,000
4" 1 -300,000 300,001 -625,000 625,001 - 1,000,000 Above 1,000,000
6" 1 -600,000 600,001 - 1,250,000 1,250,001 -2,000,000 Above 2,000,000
2. Fire Protection Charge
A. Monthlv Charge- See Section 74.63, Village Code of Ordinances
Within the Village...................................................$1.21 monthly
Outside the Village..................................................$1.21 monthly
B. Private Fire Connections- * The following monthly service charges shall apply
to private fire lines for sprinkling systems or other fire protection systems:
Meter Size Amount
2" $10.80
3" $24.67
4" $44.71
6" $107.95
8" $185.03
10" $241.22
* No taps will be allowed which may be used for other than fire protection purposes;
and there shall be no connection with any other source of water.
Page 2 of 6
3. Meter Installation Charge — All water meters shall be installed by the Village of
Tequesta, and the charge for making such meter installations or replacement of a meter of
a different size upon request of the customer shall be as follows(all meters installed remain
the property of the Village):
A.
Meter Installation Onl
Meter Size Amount
3/4" $244.08
1" $274.61
1.5" $549.19
2" $839.04
Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10%
B.
Meter Installation with Water Main Tap
(includes service line—maximum 100 LF)
Meter Size Amount
3/4" $732.27
1" $869.55
1.5" $1,159.40
2" $2,501.90
Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10%
4. Interrupted Service Charges
A. Meter Turn-On-(New Accounts)...................................................$38.12
B. Meter Turn-On or Turn-Off; Customer Request - (vacation or close-out of
account)
During business hours....................................................... $22.87
Non-business hours..........................................................$49.43
C. Meter Turn-Off; for Non-Payment - 4x min. monthly service charge for the
specific meter
D. Transfer of Service...................................................................$15.25
Page 3 of 6
5. Caqital Connection Char�e
Meter Size Water
3/4" $3,008.72
1" $7,521.72
1.5" $15,043.46
2" $24,069.51
3" $45,130.80
4" $75,218.00
6" $150,436.00
6. Securitv Deposits
Meter Size Amount
3/4" (adjust er index) $91.55
1" (3x month Service Char e) $117.94
1.5" (3x month Service Char e) $23639
2" (3x month Service Charge) $377.42
3" (3x month Service Char e) $707.72
4" (3x month Service Charge) $1,179.50
6° (3x month Service Charge) $2,359.02
7. Interest on Deposits - See Section 74-68., Village Code of Ordinances.
8. Meter or Hydrant Re-location for Customer's Convenience-Actual cost plus 10%of
all related charges. See Section 74-69., Village Code of Ordinances.
9. Emergency Bulk Water Service Rate,per 1,000 gallons.................................$2.21
10. Capacity Reservation Fee(monthly per ERU)..........................................$10.33
11. Water Restriction Surchar�e Adjustment - See Section 74-74., Village Code of
Ordinances.
12. Excessive Variance Step Adjustment- The Village Manager or designee may approve
an excessive usa�e credit (EUCI � �~� ^*�~ a^�=�~�=,^~a ��';,,�+~~�H+ to a water bill, which,
due to circumstances beyond the customer's control e.�. leaks on the customer's side of
the meter , reflects consumption in an amount that is at least two times the customer's
a�-era�e monthlv usa�e over the t�revious 12-month period •������ ��m +'�� �„^+^��r'�
���n�gt�e�-�t� . No customer shall be eligible for such an
adjustment more than once per five calendar vear neriod ��r ^^'�^a^r ���^r. No such
adjustment shall be granted in the event that the adjustment would cause a violation of
Village Code Section 74-78 regarding prohibited free service, or Village Code Section 74-
81 regarding the provision of adequate revenue to cover all costs of operation,maintenance
and debt service. Anv downward adiustment shall be made based on the Villa�e's then
current step rates, to the step rate that results in an adiusted water bill commensurate with
the customer's avera�e water bill over the previous 12 months of billine. The Villa�e
Page 4 of 6
Mana�er or desi�nee shall determine that the customer meets each of the followin�criteria
prior to avvrovin�anv EUC:
• Customer notifies the Villa�e of TeQuesta's Customer Service Department of an
excessive water bill that mav be related to a leak or other circumstance bevond
the customer's control.
• Water consumption exceeds two times the customer's average monthlv usa�e over
the previous 12-month aeriod.
• Customer acted aromptiv to remediate excessive water use (e.e. had leak on
Customer's side of the meter repaired as soon as practicablel as documented bv
repair receints or other accentable methods.
• The reauest for EUC �vas made within 1 month of the remedial action.
No EUC mav be aonroved where anv of the followin� circumstances exist:
• Excessive consumption is due to seasonal usaee such as waterin� of sod
�ardening, or usa�e from filline s�vimmint pools and hot tubs/whirlbools, or
washing vehicles, etc....
• A leak resultin�in excessive consumbtion was caused bv a third bartv from whom
the customer is able to recover their costs. Examnles include, but are not limited
to, theft, vandalism, negli�ence and construction dama�e, including unoccupied
or vacant nroperties.
• When excessive consumption continues for two (21 or more months,there will be
no adiustment for the second or subseauent months.
- —
• The meter has been accessed, tampered with, ar turned on/off bv anvone other
than a Villa�e of Teauesta Utilitv emplovee and that action results in excessive
consumption.
• The EUC would violate Village Code Sections 74-78 or 74-81.
• A leak adiustment�vas issued within the past five-vears (5) for the same customer
at the same address.
At the discretion of the Villa�e ivlana�er, or desi�nee, a credit mati�be abplied to an
account based on unusual and extenuatin�circumstances. However, in no
circumstances shall such credit exceed $100 dollars.
13. Miscellaneous Fees and Charges
A. Returned Check - $25.00 if the face value does not exceed $50.00; $30.00 if the
face value is more than $50.00 but does not exceed $300.00; $40.00 if the face
value is more than$300.00.
B. Late Pavment Fees— 1%of outstanding delinquent amount with a minimum
charge of$5.00
C. Past Due Amounts on Disconnected Service - A 1% per month penalty will be
charged on all past due amounts after discontinuance of service plus any and all
costs associated with securing collection of the past due amount.
Page 5 of 6
D. Meter Re-read ..................................................................... .$15.25
E. Meter Testing
3/4".................................................................................................. $68.68
1"................................................................................ $83.91
1.5"..................................................................................................... $99.17
2"............................................................................. $137.29
F. Field Premise Visit ................................................................... $22.87
G. Line Location Services..............................................................$61.04
H. Plan Review............................3%of the construction cost,$150.00 minimum
I. Inspection Fee,Per Visit.............................................................$87.27
14. Tamperin�with Turned-Off Service
A. Removal charge..................................................................... $107.44
B. Re-installation charge
3/4"..................................................................................................$268.51
1"or Larger .............................................................Actual Cost
C. Destruction of ineter related equipment
(1) Assessment for replacement of ineter or meter related equipment
(2) A minimum of$27.75 administrative charge per occurrence
15. Surchar�e-Customers Outside the Village-25% surcharge on monthly rates, fees, and
charges except for those set forth at Section 13.C.will be imposed for all customers located
outside the corporate limits of the Village.
16. Automatic Annual Rate Adjustment— See Sections 74-72 and 74-73, Village Code of
Ordinances.
Page 6 of 6
Comparison Local Municipalities Leak Credit Policy
Ju iter
The consumer shall be provided a leak adjustment for leaks on the consumer side of the meter when
the utility determines that the consumer acted promptly to remediate the leak and by doing so
prevented excessive water use. An excessive usage credit (EUC) may be provided by the utility, at the
consumer's request, for consumers meeting the following criteria:
(a) The abnormally high usage for any one monthly reading cycle where the actual meter reading is
at least two times the average monthly usage for the past 12 months for the consumer at the
specific service location; and
(b) The total usage during the monthly reading cycle on the consumer's billing exceeds 10,000
gallons; and
(c) The abnormally high usage is not the result of a deliberate act of the consumer; and
(d) The EUC is limited to one time within a two-year period on a specific account; and
(e) The billing has occurred within the past six months. The EUC for residential and non-residential
consumers will be applied to all water commodity charges over the consumer's preceding 12-
month average usage. The consumer is responsible for paying the full cost of his average usage
plus the lowest tiered rate for any additional gallons above his average use.
At the discretion of the Utility Director, or his designee, a credit may be applied to an account based on
unusual and extenuating circumstances. However, in no circumstances shall such credit exceed
$5,000.00 without prior authorization of the Town Manager.
Stuart
a) Based upon previous water use a water consumer may suspect a water loss resulting from
conditions on private property that are not apparent from ground surface conditions. In the
event a consumer notifies the city of a suspected water loss under such circumstances within
30 days of receipt of the monthly bill that reflects the loss, the city manager or designee may
allow a credit against a future bill for water service. The average amount of water consumed
monthly during the previous 12 months shall first be determined. The amount of the credit shall
be 50 percent of the difference between the 12-month average and the amount billed. The city
manager shall not give a credit for water loss to a consumer more than once in any 12-month
period.
b) Based upon previous water use a water consumer may suspect a water loss resulting from
conditions caused by a disaster as that term is used in F.S. ch. 252, relating to emergency
management. If a consumer notifies the city of a suspected water loss under such
circumstances within 30 days of receipt of the monthly bill that reflects the loss, the city
manager or designee may allow a credit against a future bill for water service.
Seacoast
Billing Adjustment for Other Cause—Where an identified leak results in metered water use that
exceeds the Customer's immediately preceding six-month average for the same location, the Customer
may request and receive a conservation rate credit for the higher billing. The credit shall not be
calculated for more than the three most recent billing cycles and must be initiated by the Customer by
written request with supporting documentation that corrective action has been completed. Upon receipt
of such documentation in a form acceptable to the Authority, the billing(s) may be adjusted such that all
metered water exceeding the Customer's immediately preceding six-month average consumption for
this location is billed at the lowest Authority potable water commodity rate that would be otherwise
consistent with the Customer's historical usage. The same credit may be issued for unidentified and
undocumented usage spikes, not to exceed two such credits in any running three-year period.
West Palm Beach
A leak adjustment wi11 be appiied only if the leak was repaired within 7 days of the customer discovering
or being notified (customer noticing leak, water bill being mailed out. city employee notifying the
customer etc.). To apply for a leak credit the following items will need to be submitted to the Customer
Service Division located at 401 Clematis Street. West Palm Beach within 30 days of the contested bill:
a) A leak adjustment form has to be completed in its entirety
b) A repair bill from a certified plumber
Upon submittal of the requested items. The Utility may complete a field inspection to determine the
followi ng:
c) The water meter was read, recorded, and billed.
d) The cause of the excessive usage. If it is known.
e) There is no evidence that the excessive use was due to the intentional or negligent act of the
customer.
f) The customer took corrective action within 7 days of discovering or being notified of a leak.
g) Verify the leak is no longer present.
h) A determination of whether an adjustment is granted shall be made at the sole discretion of the
Public Utilities Director or his/her designee and shall be finai.
i) Leak adjustments will be limited to one adjustment every 36 months.
j) An adjustment shall be approved for no more than one billing cycle.
k) Failure of the customer to make needed repairs in a timely manner(7 days from detection) will
void any requests for adjustment.
If there is no fault on the part of the Customer precipitating the leakage, a billing adjustment not to
exceed sixty percent (60%) of all water usage above normal usage for up to two (2) billing cycies may
be made.
Lake Worth
A Leak adjustment request Form-004 must be completed, signed, and submitted by the customer within
30 days of the contested bill. Proof of repair must be submitted with the form.
Upon submittal of the request form, the Utility must make a field investigation to determine the
following:
a) The water meter was operating properly.
b) The water meter was read, recorded, and billed properly.
c) The cause of the excessive usage, if it is known.
d) There is no evidence that the excessive use was due to the intentionai or negligent act of the
customer.
e) The customer took prompt and reasonable action to determine the cause of the excessive use.
f) The customer took corrective action within seven days of discovering or being notified of a leak.
g) Verify the leak is no longer present.
A determination of whether an adjustment is granted shail be made at the sole discretion of the Water
Utility Director or designee and shall be final.
a) Water loss adjustments shall be limited to one adjustment every 24 months.
b) If approved, the adjustment will be calculated based on the larger of following two criteria's:
c) All gallons used shall be paid at the second lowest tiered water rates for the customer class
assigned to the account, or The bill will be recalculated based on the maximum usage over the
last 24 months
d) Residential accounts will receive no adjustment to the sewer service.
e) Commercial accounts will receive an adjustment to the sewer account if, in the determination of
the Utility, the water was not disposed of in the sanitary sewer system.
The Utility shall not make adjustments for bills not contested within thirty(30)days from the billing
date, unless approved by the Water Utility Director.
f� An adjustment shall be approved for no longer than one billing cycle.
g) The Utility may extend the payment deadline for the disputed portion of the bill if the account is in
current status.
h) Adjustments shall not be granted for accounts that were delinquent prior to the disputed status.
i) Premises abandoned, or those that have not been provided reasonable care for the
plumbing system.