Default rule and exceptions
NYC DEP forgives one half of the high bill amount for a qualifying leak, but the final amount owed will not be less than 150% of the property's typical bill. To qualify, the property must be billed on metered charges, have a leak costing at least 200% of a normal bill, and have the leak fixed within 120 days from the date of the original bill.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner / account holder | Pays the remaining balance (not less than 150% of the property's typical bill) and must have the leak fixed within 120 days from the date of the original bill |
| NYC DEP | Forgives one half of the high bill amount when the program conditions are met |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 15, 2026.
property must be billed on metered charges, and you must: have a leak that costs equal to at least 200% of a normal bill from a representative billing period ... have the leak fixed within 120 days from the date of the original bill that contained the high charge
One half of the high bill amount, but the final amount owed for that bill will not be less than 150% of your property’s typical bill.
A Customer is eligible under the terms of this section for partial forgiveness of an unusually high metered water and wastewater charges if: ... The leak is repaired within 120 days of the Bill Date of the original bill for the high charge.
City rules rest on state law. Read New York's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water bill: leak adjustment in New York, NY?
Responsibility is shared. Pays the remaining balance (not less than 150% of the property's typical bill) and must have the leak fixed within 120 days from the date of the original bill
Is there any cost help for water bill: leak adjustment in New York, NY?
NYC DEP Leak Forgiveness Program: forgives one half of the high bill amount, with the final amount owed not less than 150% of the property's typical bill.
What is this based on for New York, NY?
This verdict is sourced to Leak Forgiveness Program and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Leak Forgiveness Programofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
- Leak Forgiveness Programofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
- Rules of the City of New York, Section 5. Forgiving Charges Due to Extraordinary Leaks or Disastersordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
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