403.1 Upon receipt of a timely challenge to a water, sewer or groundwater sewer bill, DC Water shall suspend the obligation of the owner and occupant to pay the contested charges contained in the disputed bill and the owner or occupant will not be subject to any penalty, interest charge or termination of service for nonpayment of the disputed bill until the owner or occupant has been advised in writing of the results of the investigation.

403.2 As necessary to investigate the challenge, DC Water may:

1. (a) Verify the computations made in the formulation of the water and sewer charges;
2. (b) Verify the meter reading;
3. (c) If feasible, check the premises for leaking fixtures, underground invisible leaks, and house-side connection leaks;
4. (d) Check the meter for malfunction by removing and testing the meter;
5. (e) Review account to ensure accurate account status; and
6. (f) Make a reasonable investigation of any facts asserted by the owner or occupant which are material to the determination of a correct bill.

403.3 DC Water may request that the customer submit a plumber's report stating that there are no leaks on the property and that no issues on private property are contributing to increase water usage.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 40 DCR 1300, 1308 (February 12, 1993); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 5358 (June 18, 1999); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 013611 (December 17, 2021).

HISTORICAL NOTE: Prior to February 12, 1993, the Department of Environmental Services published Final Rulemaking at 24 DCR 8315 (March 24, 1978), incorporating text of Proposed Rulemaking published at 24 DCR 6206, 6207 (January 27, 1978), 12 DCRR §400.37.4.