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 Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage 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

A customer must make a formal leak-adjustment request and submit proof that the leak was repaired, such as a plumber's bill, plumbing-supply receipt, or owner/customer statement. Usage must be at least 100% above the average of the prior three months and must return to normal before consideration; the request must be made within 30 days of the billing date. Residential excess usage above the previous three-month average may be reduced to Tier 1 rates. An adjustment may be granted once in 12 months and may cover up to two months; commercial adjustments are based on the sewer portion and the prior three months. Shreveport may disconnect for unpaid leaked water and will not restore service until repairs are satisfactory.

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 Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP) gives eligible residential customers a 10% credit on current customer and usage charges, usually $4-$10 depending on use. Eligibility includes SNAP, LaMOMS, Medicaid, or household income no more than 133% of Louisiana's federal poverty guideline; participants reapply annually and qualifying applications by the 24th receive the next month's credit. Extraordinary hardship may qualify for an extended payment plan or, in exceptional cases, a partial unpaid-bill credit, available up to three times per year through Customer Service.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

SWAP is administered with United Way of Northwest Louisiana at unitedwaynwla.org/swap, in person at 820 Jordan Street Suite 370, or through 211. Community partners include Caddo Community Action Agency, David Raines Community Center, Eddie Jones Lakeside Community Center, and Socialization Services. Applicants provide ID, benefit proof or income documentation, and a water bill; the reviewed pages did not identify a separate federal water-benefit portal.

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 Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage 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.

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