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 City of Panama City Utilities Division – Water, Wastewater and Garbage 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

Panama City’s October 2025 one-time lifetime adjustment allows one extraordinary unexplained high bill per meter during the account holder’s tenure at the property. The request must be within 90 days of the due date, the bill must be at least six times the prior year’s average usage, the meter must have at least 12 months of history, the account must have been in good standing for the prior year, and an original notarized affidavit must be filed. Prior balances must be paid and the customer must pay an amount equal to the prior year’s average water-and-sewer charges toward the bill before review. If approved, the credit is 50% of the excess water portion and 100% of the excess sewer portion. Separate 2026 temporary relief covers eligible system-caused billing errors; leak repair claims should include the repair receipt and proof of payment.

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 offers case-by-case payment arrangements through Utility Billing and a one-time lifetime high-bill adjustment subject to the strict eligibility rules above. Panama City’s Housing Assistance Programs may provide income-eligible owner-occupied households a grant covering some or all water/sewer connection fees and deposits, rather than recurring bill credits. No universal senior or disabled-veteran residential bill-credit cap is published.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

The City’s Housing Assistance Programs include an income-tested Impact Fee Assistance Program that may cover part or all of water/sewer connection fees and deposits for qualifying owner-occupied homes. For recurring household-bill hardship or federally funded water assistance, customers should call 2-1-1 and Bay County/community-action agencies, and contact Utility Billing before the shutoff date. The current City pages do not publish a direct LIHWAP application URL.

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 City of Panama City Utilities Division – Water, Wastewater and Garbage 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 →