The City of Summerville has approved a new Water Leak Protection Program designed to help residential water customers avoid the financial shock that can come from undetected leaks. City officials say the program was created to provide peace of mind for households when an unintentional pipe failure or hidden leak leads to unusually high water usage and an unexpected bill. By adopting the resolution, the Mayor and City Council are establishing a safety net intended to reduce the burden on families who may not realize a leak is happening until the utility statement arrives.

The program is optional and will be available to eligible customers for a small monthly cost added to their water bill once enrollment begins. In general, it is aimed at separately metered single-family residential accounts, with limited eligibility for qualifying nonprofit organizations. The intent is to provide protection for water loss caused by qualifying leaks on the customer’s side of the meter—situations that can be difficult to detect quickly, especially when leaks occur underground, under slabs, or in areas not regularly inspected.

City policy sets a maximum benefit amount within a 12-month period, and customers are expected to take corrective action by fixing the leak and providing proof of repairs or other required documentation. Residents should understand that this program is not a substitute for maintenance and timely repairs; it is intended as a backstop for rare but costly events. The resolution also allows the City to deny coverage in cases where clear signs of a leak are ignored for an extended period, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly when a problem is suspected.

The City also issued a clear warning to residents about outside communications. Officials say a third party has been sending information to Summerville residents, but that group is not affiliated with the City and is not connected to this Water Leak Protection Program. When the program officially begins, residents will enroll directly through City Hall, so citizens are encouraged to rely on official City channels for updates, enrollment details, and program guidelines.