A water taker may challenge billed usage upon discovery of a leak. The water taker shall complete and submit an Application for Abatement/Water Abatement Verification Form together with all supporting documentation signed and dated by a Massachusetts licensed plumber or certified lawn irrigation surveyor. Self-repair (DIY) is subject to the discretion of the Director of Operations/Superintendent.

The Board of Water Commissioners will consider all reasonable abatement request under the following terms and conditions:

• Questionable usage is approximately 100 percent higher than that of the average usage for the same-quarterly period. Average usage will be established by the same-three quarter’s.
• The applicant has presented supporting documentation including but not limited to the cause and location of the leak together with proof of repair. Household plumbing repairs require a Massachusetts licensed plumber, underground lawn-irrigation repairs require a certified lawn irrigation surveyor unless self-repair (DIY) is approved by the Director of Operations/Superintendent.
• Upon receiving abatement approval as determined by the Board of Water Commissioners water usage will be recalculated:
• Average usage (average of previous same three quarters) calculated at  current tiered rate structure.
• Gallons above average usage (due to a verified leak) calculated at the first tier.

Denial is without prejudice to reconsideration. An applicant may resubmit a request for abatement upon establishing that he or she has satisfied all criteria stipulated by the terms and conditions of this policy.

• Rate adjustment is allowable one-time only. 

Download → Application for Abatement/Water Abatement Verification Form