§ 17-35. Excessive use or waste of water

Excessive or unnecessary use or waste of water, whether caused by carelessness or by defective leaky plumbing or fixtures, is strictly forbidden even where the service is metered. For a disregard of or repeated violations of this requirement, the water may be turned off by the department of water and sewerage; that no relief or adjustment shall be applied to water bills in cases of high water use due to leaks, broken lines, faulty plumbing and the like, if such leaks or breakages are from the meter to the premises, but if the leaks are in the meter and causes unusual bills and its verified to the satisfaction of the water superintendent, that person may make an adjustment to the sewer charge, but only if the extra water used did not re-enter the wastewater system for subsequent treatment. If adjustments are made, the amount of the adjustment shall be the sewer charge for the difference between the increased gallonage and the average gallonage used during the twelve (12) months preceding the increased usage.

(Code 1973, § 25-22; Ord. of 5-27-80, § 25-22)