Everett, WA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Who is responsible
- Owner, customer's side of meter
- Enforcing office
- Everett utilities division
- Penalty charge
- $20 or council-set amount
- Remedy for noncompliance
- Water service shutoff
- Code section
- EMC § 14.16.360
Summary
Everett property owners must keep piping and fixtures on their side of the meter leak-free, and must fix a leak once the utilities division flags it or face a shutoff and penalty.
Owners of premises receiving water service from the water system shall be responsible for maintaining all piping, fixtures and appurtenances on the customer's side of the meter or service cock in a satisfactory state of repair so that no water will be wasted. When it is found that water is being wasted on a premises because of faulty or leaking piping, fixtures or appurtenances or for any other reason, the consumer shall be notified of the wastage by the utilities division and instructed to take corrective action.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Everett Municipal Code § 14.16.360, owners of premises on city water are responsible for keeping all piping, fixtures and appurtenances on the customer's side of the meter or service cock in good repair so no water is wasted. When the utilities division finds water being wasted through faulty or leaking piping, it notifies the consumer and directs corrective action. A customer who fails or refuses to fix the leak can have water shut off until the repair is made, and must pay a $20 penalty charge (or the amount set by council ordinance or resolution) before service is restored. The city may instead choose to measure actual flow and bill for it.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a wastage notice: water shutoff to the premises plus a $20 penalty charge (or council-set amount) before service is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix a leak on my property in Everett?
What happens if I don't fix a leak the city flags?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Leak Reporting Duty in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle leak reporting duty.