Mayor Scott, DPW Update Water Bill Adjustment Policy Providing Relief to City Residents Facing High Water Bills Due to Plumbing Leaks

Monday Aug 29th, 2022

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Mayor Scott, DPW Update Water Bill Adjustment Policy
Providing Relief to City Residents Facing High Water Bills Due to Plumbing Leaks

Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jason W. Mitchell announced updates to DPW’s water bill adjustment policy to assist City residents facing higher than normal water bills due to plumbing leaks that can drive up monthly costs. Starting Sept. 1, 2022, DPW will change how interior water leaks are calculated for City residents and offer more flexible eligibility requirements for bill adjustment requests due to interior and underground leaks.

“DPW is making strides to turn around its water billing and customer service operations. This new water bill adjustment policy is an example of the Department’s commitment to customer service, providing additional relief and flexibility to City residents experiencing increased water costs due to unforeseen leaks,” said Mayor Scott.

 “As DPW works to stabilize billing water rates to all-time lows, it is equally important that residents have tools to address higher than normal water costs due to plumbing leaks,” said DPW Director Mitchell.

These water bill adjustment modifications address the different types of plumbing leaks that can cause a resident’s water costs to increase. Situational/Interior Usage Adjustments are for water loss typically associated with interior plumbing (e.g., appliances, interior fixtures, etc.). Underground Leak Adjustments are for water loss typically associated with underground pipe ruptures, which are more difficult and expensive to detect or correct.

Bill Adjustment Modifications

Under DPW’s water bill adjustment modifications:

  • Situational/Interior Adjustments will be applied to charges for both water and sewer consumption. Previously, sewer consumption was not eligible for an adjustment.
  • One Situational/Interior Adjustment will be granted for a 12-month period. This reflects a change from once every three (3) years for Interior/Situational Adjustments.
  • One Underground Leak Adjustment will be granted for a 12-month period, previous policy allowed bill adjustments every two (2) years.

 

Rate Adjustment Image

For more information on changes to DPW’s water bill adjustment policy (effective Sept. 1, 2022), please see DPW’s Rate Adjustment Memorandum.

 

 

 

Related Stories

DPW Announces Passing of Solid Waste Worker

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is heartbroken to announce the loss of a dedicated member of our Bureau of Solid Waste, Timothy Cartwell, a solid waste worker assigned to the Reedbird Sanitation Yard. His passing is a profound loss for our agency, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.

DPW Offices, Sanitation Yards Closed on Veterans Day City of Baltimore to Observe Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024.

DPW Offices, Sanitation Yards Closed on Election Day City of Baltimore to Observe Election Day, Tuesday, November 5

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. During the Election Day closure, trash and recycling collection, as well as street sweeping, WILL NOT be conducted. Trash/Recycling Makeup Day: Saturday, November 9.

Visit the Newsroom