Auburn, WA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 13.06.260, service premises inspections
- Repair deadline
- 7 days from written notice
- Consequence for missed deadline
- Water shut off until repaired
- Refused inspection
- Refusal-of-access fee charged
- Resuming service
- Requires repair plus fees paid in full
Summary
Auburn inspectors can enter any building served by city water to look for leaky pipes or fixtures wasting water, and once the city serves written notice, the owner or occupant has seven days to make repairs or the city shuts the water off. Refusing inspection access triggers its own fee.
Employees or agents of the city shall have access to all parts of buildings for inspection, in keeping with Chapter 1.20 ACC, where water may be delivered from the city mains. The purpose of the inspection is to discover leaky pipes, fixtures, cross connections or other conditions causing waste, contamination or unauthorized use of city water... The notice shall require that such faulty pipes, fixtures, cross connections or other conditions be properly repaired, corrected or eliminated within the period of seven days from and after the service of such notice. ... If the leaky or faulty pipes or fixtures or other conditions... are not properly repaired or corrected within the period of seven days from the date of service of such written or printed notice, then the water shall be turned off and so remain until such repairs are made or conditions corrected.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
20 ACC, specifically to find leaky pipes, fixtures, cross connections, or other conditions causing waste, contamination, or unauthorized use of city water. When such a condition is found, the city serves a written or printed notice on the occupant or owner specifying the faulty pipes or fixtures and requiring repair, correction, or elimination within seven days from service of the notice. 511 against the property's water meter account. 25 ACC, plus the city fee schedule, paid before service resumes. 120.
Violations & Fines
Refusing the city access to inspect for leaks draws a refusal-of-access fee against the water meter account under ACC 13.06.511. Failing to repair a leak identified in a written notice within seven days results in the water being shut off, and service will not be restored until the repair is made and all associated fees, charges, and penalties under ACC 13.06.511 and Chapter 1.25 ACC are paid in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to fix a leak after Auburn notifies me?
What happens if I don't fix a leaky pipe in time in Auburn?
Can I refuse to let the city inspect my property for leaks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Leak Reporting Duty in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle leak reporting duty.