There is a great deal of helpful information at our customer portal: https://rutlandvt.watersmart.com . Go to this link and log in with your account number (on your water/sewer utility bill) to see valuable information on the meter and what to do if you suspect a leak or would like to see if there is one.
High Billing Complaint Policy
If the account holder’s meter is reporting through the AMI network and the account holder is
sent a suspected leak alert within two weeks of detection, that account is not eligible for the
high bill adjustment described below.
If the meter is not on the AMI network and the quarterly cycle reading indicates unusually high
consumption, the account holder may request an adjustment. These account holders will be
eligible for the high bill adjustment if it is proven that the cause is the result of an
undiscovered leak or undiscovered deficiency in the plumbing system.
In order to qualify for an adjustment, the account holder must fix the leak and provide notice
of the repair to the City within thirty (30) days of being notified by the City of the possible
water leak, or, if not notified by the City, within 30 days of requesting the adjustment.
Subsequent to the repair the City must confirm that daily usage has returned to the historical
average through a follow-up meter reading. Adjustments are limited to the current or recently
closed billing quarter, and the following quarter if justified by the timing of the repair. Retro-
active adjustments are not permitted.
The account holder will be billed for water and sewer for the volume of water that went
through the meter. However, the volume of water and sewer billed may be adjusted so as not
to exceed two times the average volume of water billed for the corresponding quarter over
the previous three years if the resulting credit is equal to or greater than $25.00.
In calculating the maximum volume of water to be billed, the daily average volume of water
metered in the corresponding quarters over the previous three years will be multiplied by the
number of days billed for in the quarter for which the complaint is submitted.
Where sufficient records are not available to determine the average, or if the ownership or
occupancy of the property has changed in such a way that it could affect the normal water
usage, an alternate calculation as determined by the Commissioner will be made to establish
the base usage for the corresponding quarters.
The limit on water billed will not apply in cases of negligence on the part of the account holder
or tenants. The billing credit shall be made at the rates in effect at the time of the billing.
Effective: March 26, 1998. Revisions: October 19, 1998, April 8, 2009, December 28, 2012,
January 24, 2017, May 1, 2017, November 2020
Water conservation can be achieved in many ways. Here are some suggestions.
1. Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks.
2. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year.
3. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Flush as soon as the test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.
4. Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
Your plumber may have other suggestions for water conservation.