# Who pays an Austin water bill after a leak? | Who Pays the Repair?

> Austin Water offers a leak bill adjustment under City Code 15-9-141 if you request it within 90 days of the leak repair. Owners cover lines past the meter.

**Who pays:** shared

In Austin, the property owner is responsible for lines past the meter, but you can request a leak bill adjustment under City Code 15-9-141 within 90 days of the repair.

**Boundary:** Austin Water is responsible for maintaining and repairing water mains, while property owners are responsible for service lines past the meter and for internal plumbing issues. A water leak bill adjustment can be requested under City of Austin Code 15-9-141 within 90 days of the leak repair.

**Exceptions:** Customers who receive a water leak bill adjustment may not request an administrative hearing under Chapter 15, Article 12 for the same billing period.

## Sources
- [High Water Bill Options](https://www.austintexas.gov/water/high-water-bill-options) — "To request a water leak bill adjustment under City of Austin Code 15-9-141 , submit the following within 90 days of the leak repair ... Customers who receive a water leak bill adjustment may not request an administrative hearing under Chapter 15, Article 12 for the same billing period." (accessed 2026-10-17)
- [Water Leaks](https://www.austintexas.gov/water/water-leaks) — "Austin Water is responsible for maintaining and repairing water mains throughout our service area. Property owners are responsible for service lines past the meter and for internal plumbing issues." (accessed 2026-10-17)

_Last verified 2026-10-17. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/austin-tx-water-bill-leak-adjustment/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._