Boston Water and Sewer Commission requires customers to report visible leaks promptly and offers leak adjustment credits on water bills when verified repairs follow within sixty days.
BWSC operates 24/7 emergency dispatch (617-989-7000) for main breaks, hydrant leaks, and sewer overflows. Property owners must report visible leaks and curb-stop issues. BWSC's Leak Adjustment Policy allows customers to apply for partial billing credit when an unseen interior leak (failed water heater, slab leak, broken supply) is documented and repaired within sixty days. Submit BWSC's leak adjustment form with plumber receipts and photos. Boston also runs free residential water audits and rebates for high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers. Sewer-side leaks contributing infiltration into the combined sewer system get priority because they trigger CSO discharges to the harbor and Charles.
Failure to repair a verified leak after BWSC notice may result in service shutoff, lien against the property, and disqualification from the Leak Adjustment credit program.
See how Boston's leak reporting duty rules stack up against other locations.
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