D.C. Code § 34-2305

Any owner or occupant of a property that receives water and sewer services may contest a water or sanitary sewer service bill rendered for water and sewer services in accordance with §§ 2-509 and 2-510, as set forth in rules issued by the Mayor pursuant to § 34-2306. The Mayor or the Authority shall require the owner or occupant to post a surety bond or deposit upon the filing of a request for an administrative hearing, except that the requirement to post a surety bond or deposit shall not apply to an owner who occupies a single family house. The amount of the surety bond or deposit shall be determined by the Mayor or the Authority and shall not be less than one-half of the total amount of charges, penalties, and interest owed. The surety bond or deposit shall be placed into an escrow account and accrue interest at a rate to be determined by the Mayor or the Authority.