Why is my water bill so high? (Hidden leak credit)

In Palo Alto, you can request a bill credit for a hidden leak if you meet the utility's eligibility and deadline rules.

60days to ask for the adjustmentwithin 60 days from the due date of the bill covering the period of the higher-than-average water use

City of Palo Alto deadlines, checked Oct 27, 2026.

From the repair to the answer

City of Palo Alto deadlines, checked Oct 27, 2026.

Leak credit rules

Utility	City of Palo Alto
Deadline	within 60 days from the due date of the bill covering the period of the higher-than-average water use
Credit amount	adjustments cover 50% of the higher-than-average water volume up to a $2,500 limit using the Tier 1 Commodity Rate cost; wastewater and Utility User Tax adjustments are based on the adjusted volume and are not subject to the $2,500 limit

Consult the water meter before and after a two-hour period of not using water. If the meter changes, there is probably a leak.

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We left out who qualifies, required proof and how to submit under “Leak credit rules”: the source doesn't state it clearly enough. Ask the office or utility named on this page.