Kyle’s water leak adjustment policy offers discount to utility customers

City of Kyle utility customers could see exceedingly high water bills by the end of March after pipe bursts and water leaks caused by the February winter storm and freeze. The city’s Water Leak Adjustment Policy, however, would allow for a lower rated charge to those who qualify.

Since its establishment in 2010, residential and commercial customers have benefited from requested water bill adjustments once proof of plumbing repairs is provided to the city.

According to Kyle’s Department of Communications, the policy is aimed to help with the financial impact of leaks indoor and outdoor. Water loss from the recent storm will be reflected on the next utility bill sent out at the end of March 2021 and due by April 15, 2021.

“Water leaks in a plumbing system may be difficult to discover until the monthly water bill arrives,” City of Kyle Director of Finance Perwez Moheet said. “The water leak adjustment policy allows for any water usage above the average monthly usage for that customer to be charged at the lowest rate or at the first tier of $4.84 per 1,000 gallons. We monitor water usage both before and after repairs have been made.”

Water leak repairs must be completed before a bill is eligible for an adjustment. Once a request form and a copy of a repair receipt or an invoice are provided to the city, the adjustment will take at least two weeks to process.

“We request our customers to pay their average water bill amount while the water leak adjustment request is being processed,” Moheet said. “If a customer has already paid a high water bill, then in that case, a credit will be applied to their utility account balance after the water leak adjustment has been processed. It is important to note that the city does not reimburse repairs; the policy only lowers the rate in the event of a leak.”

Those interested in filing a claim would need to call Kyle Utility Billing Department at 512-262-3960 or visit www.cityofkyle.com.