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High water bills, leak adjustments and billing appeals in Cambridge
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Cambridge has a limited leak-adjustment program with deadlines and proof-of-repair requirements. An unusually high bill does not automatically qualify, and an appeal has separate conditions.
Key information
Cambridge has a limited leak-adjustment program with deadlines and proof-of-repair requirements. An unusually high bill does not automatically qualify, and an appeal has separate conditions.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| What can cause a high water bill? | The City lists changed usage patterns, household leaks, leaking toilets, appliances, meter-reading error and estimated readings. |
| How much higher must consumption be? | The page says additional water billed must be at least twice the customer's average consumption. |
| Which bills can go to the appeal committee? | The appeal criteria include a bill greater than twice average consumption and greater than $250, with no adjustment already granted under the leak policy. |
Sources: Water Account & Billing | City of Cambridge · Water | City of Cambridge
Your next steps
- Compare usage and readings
Compare usage and readings.
- Check toilets and household leaks
Check toilets and household leaks.
- Review adjustment and appeal rules
Review adjustment and appeal rules.
Sources: Water Account & Billing | City of Cambridge · Water | City of Cambridge
Compare usage and set alerts
What can cause a high water bill?
The City lists changed usage patterns, household leaks, leaking toilets, appliances, meter-reading error and estimated readings. Compare consumption with previous periods before choosing a remedy. A higher total can involve both usage and fixed charges.
Can I receive a warning before the next bill?
MyWaterAccount can send alerts when use reaches a daily, weekly or monthly amount you choose. The City provides a setup video. An alert helps identify unusual use but does not repair a leak or automatically submit an adjustment application.
Which customers can apply for leak relief?
Residential customers and residential not-for-profit organizations may qualify. The high bill must have been issued within the last 90 days. This is a limited policy, not a general discount for every water customer or every large bill.
Leak-relief eligibility and proof
How much higher must consumption be?
The page says additional water billed must be at least twice the customer's average consumption. Ask the Billing team to apply the policy to the actual history rather than treating a doubled dollar total as the only test.
Are there limits on repeat adjustments?
No adjustment can have been granted in the last 12 months, and no more than two adjustments are allowed within a ten-year period. Check prior account adjustments before assuming a new leak is eligible.
Must the leak be repaired first?
Yes. The high-water problem must be identified and repaired, and proof of repair must accompany the application. Keep invoices or other evidence requested by the City. Use the online high-water adjustment form after assembling the documents.
Appeal criteria and infrastructure responsibility
Which bills can go to the appeal committee?
The appeal criteria include a bill greater than twice average consumption and greater than $250, with no adjustment already granted under the leak policy. The concern must have occurred within the last six months and meet the prior-review requirement.
What review is needed before an appeal?
The concern must have been reviewed through the High Water Leak Adjustment process and discussed with the Supervisor of Billing and Collection or Manager of Revenue. Ineligible requests are not reviewed under the appeal process.
How do I send an eligible appeal?
Email the Billing team with the concern's details and Water Billing Appeal in the subject line. Include the account, bill and prior discussion details requested. The appeal route is separate from simply reporting a leaking fixture.
Which pipes and equipment belong to the owner?
Owners maintain private service pipes from the property line into the building, internal plumbing and valves. The water meter itself belongs to the City. Contact Public Works through 519-623-1340 about municipal infrastructure problems; private leaks require the owner's repair arrangements.
Source: Water | City of Cambridge
Sources: Water Account & Billing | City of Cambridge · Water | City of Cambridge