[Adopted 12-15-2009 by Ord. No. 1054 as Title 4, Ch. 8, of the 2009 Code of Ordinances]
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall be used:
BILLING PERIOD
The period of time indicated by the dates, approximately one month apart, appearing on utility bills to show the period of service for which that bill applies.
LATERAL WATER LEAK
Unintended loss of water from an underground water line, on privately owned property, which is outside a building or structure.
USAGE PERIOD
The period of time, approximately three months, between actual readings of the same utility meter.
WATER LOSS
The amount of water lost as a result of a leak verified in accordance with § 623-28A of the Municipal Code, and calculated by subtracting the amount of water used in the usage period preceding the occurrence of the leak from the amount of water used in the current usage period.
A. 
A customer of the Lake Mills municipal water system may request a credit for water loss to offset a charge imposed in any one billing period. To obtain a credit the customer shall:
(1) 
Submit a written request for the credit to the water utility within 30 days of the charge for which a credit is desired.
(2) 
Attach to the request a statement from a licensed plumber containing the following information:
(a) 
The location of the leak, to include a statement the leak occurred on the customer's property.
(b) 
The probable cause of the leak, to include whether the leak occurred because of the customer's act or negligence.
(c) 
Identification of the plumber to include name, address, telephone number and plumber license number.
B. 
If the request is complete and accurate, a credit will be computed by multiplying the number of gallons of water loss by the rate per gallon charged at the lowest rate allowable under the current Public Service Commission approved rate schedule.
C. 
The customer may request a sewer charge credit caused by water leakage to offset a charge imposed in any one billing period. To apply for the credit, the customer shall attach to the request in Subsection A of this section an additional statement from the plumber that all of the water from the leak was metered for discharge to the sanitary sewer system. Water from a leak that is metered for discharge into a storm sewer is not eligible for this credit.
D. 
If the request is complete and accurate, a credit will be computed by multiplying the number of gallons of water loss by 75% of the rate per gallon charged for discharge into the sanitary sewer.
E. 
The credits computed in Subsections B and C will be deducted from the amount of the bill for the next billing period.
F. 
With the exception of the additional credit granted under Subsection C, only one credit may be allowed for any one given leak.
G. 
Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, no credit shall be allowed for water loss caused by an act or the negligence of the customer claiming the credit.
H. 
All customers requesting credits will be advised of the status of their request within 10 working days of submission.
A. 
A customer of the Lake Mills municipal water system may request a credit for water loss due to lateral water leaks to offset a charge imposed in any one billing period. This credit is only available if the water flow through the lateral is metered. To obtain a credit, the customer shall submit a written request meeting all of the requirements of § 623-28A.
B. 
If the request is complete and accurate, a credit will be computed in accordance with § 623-28B.
C. 
If water from a lateral water leak, for which a water loss credit is requested, is normally discharged into the sanitary sewer but due to the nature of the leak was disposed of through storm sewers, the customer will receive an additional credit calculated in accordance with § 623-28D.
D. 
The credits computed in § 623-28B and C will be deducted from the amount of the bill for the next billing period.
E. 
With the exception of the additional credit granted under § 623-28C, only one credit may be allowed for any one given leak.
F. 
Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, no credit shall be allowed for water loss caused by an act or the negligence of the customer claiming the credit.
G. 
All customers requesting credits will be advised of the status of their request within 10 working days of submission.
Cost incurred by the customer to comply with this section, to include, but not limited to, inspection, evaluation, estimates, repairs, plumbing services, and plumber's statements, will not be paid in any part by the City of Lake Mills, its utilities, or any of its agencies or subunits, but remain the responsibility of the customer.