Default rule and exceptions
Denver Water is responsible for repairing leaks on its water meters and water mains, and property owners are responsible for service lines. A repaired leak may qualify for a bill adjustment, with up to three consecutive monthly bills covered by one adjustment and applications due within 12 months of repair.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Responsible for service lines, which run from the main all the way into a home; applies for the adjustment within 12 months of repair |
| Denver Water | Repairs leaks on its meters and mains; compares consumption during the leak to the three-year consumption average for the adjustment |
| Exceptions | Because of drought, Denver Water has prohibited lawn watering and all spray irrigation beginning Oct. 1, until further action by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners; a leak caused by outdoor water use during this time does not get a leak adjustment. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 22, 2026.
Denver Water will compare the property’s consumption during the leak to the three-year consumption average within the same portion of the calendar year. A maximum of three consecutive monthly bills may be covered by a single adjustment. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of repair.
Given the ongoing drought conditions, Denver Water has prohibited lawn watering and all spray irrigation beginning Oct. 1, until further action by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners. If a leak happens because of outdoor water use during this time, you will not receive a leak adjustment on your bill.
Denver Water is responsible for repairing leaks on its water meters and water mains. Property owners are responsible for service lines, which run from the main all the way into a home.
City rules rest on state law. Read Colorado's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water bill: leak adjustment in Denver, CO?
Responsibility is shared. Responsible for service lines, which run from the main all the way into a home; applies for the adjustment within 12 months of repair
Are there exceptions in Denver, CO?
Because of drought, Denver Water has prohibited lawn watering and all spray irrigation beginning Oct. 1, until further action by the Denver Board of Water Commissioners; a leak caused by outdoor water use during this time does not get a leak adjustment.
Is there any cost help for water bill: leak adjustment in Denver, CO?
Leak adjustment credit applied to the Denver Water account; a maximum of three consecutive monthly bills may be covered by a single adjustment.
What is this based on for Denver, CO?
This verdict is sourced to Leak Adjustment Request Form and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Leak Adjustment Request Formofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
- Leak Adjustment Request Formofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
- Leaksofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
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