Accidental Water Leak Forgiveness Adjustment Application

The Town of BWG understands that an accidental water leaks can occur within a residential home. Effective November 7, 2023, the Town is offering limited financial relief to eligible residential customers to address abnormally high water and wastewater bills due to accidental plumbing failures.

Property owners can apply for this program once every 5 years. Tenants can also apply for this adjustment and it will not go towards the owners application but the utility account must be set up as a tenant account within our billing system, by direction of the owner, at the time the leak occurred.

The leak must be at least 2 times the usual consumption as compared to the same time frame in the previous year. When no data is available for the previous year, the Town average will be used. The Town will adjust half of the leak portion of the bill up to a maximum of $1,500 (combined water and wastewater).

Please Note: Applications must be received by the Finance Department within 60 days of the issuance of the bill in which the accidental leak occurred. Please complete our online form below. Should you require a paper or electronic copy of the form, please contact finservices@townofbwg.com.

Adjustments will not be granted under any of the following circumstances:

Usage above the customer’s average monthly consumption is due to seasonal usage including, but not limited to: watering of grass or sod, gardening, filling swimming pools, whirlpools or skating rinks, washing of vehicles or any other uses where the customer is aware, or should be aware, that they are using Town supplied potable water.
The dwelling/building is/was unoccupied and/or vacant for 72 hours or more. Customers have the responsibility to ensure the dwelling’s condition does not contribute to a failure of the plumbing system. For extended absences, customers should consider shutting off the water supply and draining their plumbing system and any fixtures or appliances attached thereto.
The higher than normal water and wastewater bill is the result of a “catch-up” for estimated water usage. Customers are made aware on their bill whenever a bill has been estimated by Town staff. The delay in obtaining an actual reading, occasionally results in unbilled consumption once an actual read is eventually obtained.
The property cannot be under major renovation or newly constructed structure (occupancy permit must be granted).
The leak was caused by a third party from whom the customer is/was able to recover their costs.
The water loss was due to theft, vandalism or construction damage as the responsibility to resolve these issues are that of the property owner.
If the meter and/or associated reading and transmitting devices show any signs of tampering.
The property location and owner has already received an Accidental Water Leak credit within the previous 5 years.

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