$7,000 water bill per quarter

Pump was find it was the float valve inside the water tank. Something not visible so was unknown until the tenant got the water bill. I was surprised that the high bill did not trigger anything with the water company. With other water companies in other areas if a water reading was unusually high they have been quick to make contact to suggest there is an issue that needs to be checked, possible leak or faulty water meter etc

Yes the owner is responsible to maintain/repair pipes inside their boundary and have no issue with this

 

It's great your PM went out and had a look instead of the easy way, send a tradie, you get a bill.

My first thought was if the PM had no prob detecting it, 7k later it's frustrating the tenants didn't.

 

This one sounds like it's more a problem with the tank though - though I suppose if not for the leak it wouldn't have happened. That "but for the leak" is probably the angle they need to argue.