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Saco Sewer User Abatement Policy
Revised September 1997
WASTEWATER WHICH DID NOT ENTER THE SEWER SYSTEM
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the wastewater did not enter the
collection system, then the City will abate the difference between the
current consumption value and the average of the last two year's
consumption for the same billing period. In the event that the previous
billing consumption values are unrealistic or are suspect, then the
Superintendent shall substitute representative consumption values.
WASTEWATER WHICH DID ENTER THE SEWER SYSTEM
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the wastewater did enter the
collection system, then partial abatements may be given based on the
following criteria:
BILLING ERRORS
The City may issue a "make-up" bill for services that the user received,
but that was previously unbilled.
(1) If the "make-up" bill is for service that was unbilled because of an
error made by the City or the Biddeford Saco Water Company or a
meter failure that could not reasonably have been detected by either
the City, the Water Company, or the user, then City may bill or
collect for services that occurred for one (1) year prior to the issuance
of the "make-up" bill. The City may allow the user to enter into a
payment plan for the "make-up" bill for a period not exceed one (1)
year from the issuance of the "make-up" bill.
(2) If the "make-up" bill is for service that was previously unbilled
because of unauthorized use or fraud by the user, then the City may
bill for service that occurred up to ten (10) years before the issuance
of the "make-up" bill.
(3) In all cases where actual flow data is unavailable, the Superintendent
shall estimate the water usage based on historical usage, comparable
facilities, or engineering estimates.
LEAKING FIXTURES
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, water entered the sewer system
from a leaking fixture, then the Superintendent can abate up to 50% of the
consumption above the highest consumption value for the billing period over
the previous three years.
Abatement Amount = (Disputed consumption - highest consumption) x
50%
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
If a person, other than the owner of the property, intentionally causes
fixtures to discharge to the Sewer System, then the Superintendent may
abate a reasonable portion of the consumption provided the owner:
(1) Prosecutes the person committing the criminal activity.
(2) Shows proof that a claim to the owner's insurance company was
filled and denied.
COUNCIL APPEAL
Any user who feels that his/her abatement as determined by the
Superintendent is unfair or unjust shall have the right to appeal to the City
Council. Appeals shall be limited to consumption value determinations only.
The user shall provided written testimony detailing why the abatement was
not fair and evidence supporting his/her claim of actual consumption.
