Leak relief and household assistance

A high water bill may have a path to review

Hidden plumbing failures can produce an alarming bill before the problem is visible. This guide separates what ANN ARBOR publicly describes from the practical steps every customer can take while requesting help.

Provider-specific review

What the public record says about a leak adjustment

For a hidden leak beyond the curb box, a one-time adjustment may be requested. Usage must be at least twice the comparable-quarter usage and the request must be filed within 30 days of the statement first showing irregular use. The customer must provide repair proof such as photographs, plumber bills, or invoices. One adjustment is allowed in a rolling 12 months and may cover no more than two consecutive quarterly bills; delinquent/defaulted accounts are ineligible. During review, the customer pays the prior-quarter amount. The City calculates the excess-use percentage and applies the published adjustment, including Tier 1 treatment for adjusted water usage.

Stop the loss

Shut off the failing fixture or supply and arrange a qualified repair.

Keep proof

Save dated invoices, parts receipts, photographs, and meter readings.

Request review

Submit the request promptly and keep paying any undisputed amount.

Utility assistance

Customer assistance and eligibility

The City directs customers to the Ann Arbor Assistance Fund, Barrier Busters, and Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund. No fixed City-administered utility-credit cap, senior discount, or disabled-veteran reduction was stated.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

Published assistance guidance references the Ann Arbor Assistance Fund, Barrier Busters, and Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund. The reviewed page did not state a separate utility-run LIHWAP intake procedure; eligibility and current 2026 funding must be confirmed with the linked administrators.

Research status for this provider

4 of 4 relief signals publicly identified

Verify with official provider ↗

Emergency route

Published detail

Leak policy

Published detail

Utility aid

Published detail

State/federal aid

Published detail

Leak and assistance notes

Build the file before asking ANN ARBOR for relief

A high bill can have several causes, including a hidden plumbing failure, irrigation use, a meter issue, a change in occupancy, or a rate adjustment. The provider’s leak policy determines whether any credit is available; an unusually high bill does not automatically qualify.

Keep a dated record of the reading, the suspected source, the repair, the contractor or parts receipt, and the return to normal use. Ask whether the utility requires a specific form, a licensed repair, a meter test, photos, or a request within a fixed number of days.

For income-related difficulty, ask about local assistance, payment arrangements, state programs, and community referrals separately from a leak adjustment. These programs often use different applications, documents, funding limits, and deadlines.

Return to utility profile →Review shut-off protection →Open payment methods →