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Water & Sewer Department

Water and Sewer Bill Adjustment Guidelines/Policy

The The Stafford Township Water and Sewer Utility Department treats and distributes water to our customers and collects and treats sewage and transports the sewage to the Ocean County Utilities Authority treatment plant.

There are costs incurred by the Township for these processes. Pursuant to State law, the Township is legally obligated to bill customers for each gallon of water distributed and for each gallon of sewage that is treated. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection mandates that the Township attempt to account for each gallon of water and identify any and all sources of legitimate water loss. In light of the above, the Township has established the following policy for customers seeking a billing adjustment.

  1. The Township will review requests on a “case by case” basis. Customers must provide the following information:

    • A written explanation of the circumstances pertaining to the water loss. An example might be the location location of break or leak, how you discovered it, how long water was leaking, etc.

    • Date that the loss was discovered.

    • Action taken by the customer to correct the problem.

    • Copies of bills paid to plumbers and/or other contractors to correct the problem.

    • All claims must first be submitted to your homeowner’s insurance carrier for reimbursement. A copy of the determination letter from your insurance carrier either approving or denying the claim must be submitted.

  2. Any claim for damage and/or water loss which is a direct result of action by the Township or a contractor working for the Township will be investigated immediately by the Township. Every attempt will be made to approve legitimate requests of this type as soon as reasonably possible. The Director has been authorized by the governing body to resolve these situations immediately without prior approval by the governing body. The Director shall issue a written report to the governing body after the adjustment has been made.

  3. It is extremely unlikely that the township will approve a request for any adjustment involving the following:

    • Outdoors garden hoses that are left on.

    • Crawl spaces and outdoor shower areas that are not properly winterized.

    • Hot water heaters that are leaking due to age.

    • Leaking or running commodes, showers, or sinks.

    • Leaking underground sprinkler systems that are connected to the public water supply.

  4. In lieu of an adjustment, customers may seek to pay an unusually high bill in payments in accordance with the township's existing payment plan policy. Applicable interest must be charged on any unpaid balance.