IA SF2235

City utilities are prohibited from charging, assessing, or retaining sewer service fees for water demonstrated to have not entered the sewer system due to water line leaks, service line failures, or metered water loss to ground or environment.

Upon reasonable verification of qualifying water loss, cities must adjust sewer service charges for the affected billing period and refund any improperly collected fees.

Cities may require reasonable documentation to verify water loss, including repair invoices, plumber certifications, or utility inspection reports, but cannot impose unreasonable evidentiary burdens or arbitrary denial standards.

Requests for adjustment or refund must be accepted for at least 12 months following the billing date when the water loss occurred.

Customers affected by violations may file complaints with the Office of Ombudsman or seek recovery through civil action, including court costs.