1. When an underground leak occurs between a water meter and a building and the customer could not have reasonably detected the leak, or when a water line bursts inside a building, the bill will be adjusted to the average amount of usage for the preceding four billing periods. Fewer periods may be used in the account has not been in existence for four billing periods. Evidence that such an event has occurred and been repaird shall be required. The leak must be repaired within 10 days of discovery. An account adjustment is limited to once every five years.
2. When an amount of water consumed for any one billing period exceeds five times the average amount consumed for the preceding four billing periods, the bill may be adjusted by an amount not exceed two-thirds of the amount billed for the usage, and only one such adjustment is given per account.
Bay Restoration Fee on Water/Sewer Bills
In May 2004, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. signed legislation creating the Bay Restoration Fund. The fund establishes a $2.50 per month fee — $7.50 per quarter for City of Rockville residential customers — that began appearing as a separate line item on water/sewer bills beginning January 1, 2006. Revenue from the fund will upgrade wastewater treatment plants throughout Maryland and help to reduce levels of harmful nutrients in wastewater. Non-residential Rockville customers will be charged on a sliding scale fee based on the number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). For more information, including details on the charges for non-residential Rockville customers, call the Maryland Department of the Environment at 1-800-633-6101 or visit their website at www.mde.state.md.us.
Water Shut-off Notices
It is occasionally necessary to shut down water mains for meter replacements or other maintenance. Notices are posted on the city's web site in addition to printed notices sent to the addresses affected by these shut-offs.