Key takeaway: In general, the utility owns the water main and the meter, and the homeowner owns the water line from the meter to the house. For sewer, the utility owns the main in the street and the homeowner owns the sewer line (lateral) from the house to the main. Your utility’s rules decide the exact point, so call the utility first when the problem is in the street or at the meter.
Where the utility’s line ends and yours begins
| Part of the system | Usually owned by |
|---|---|
| Water main in the street | The water utility |
| Water meter and meter box | The water utility |
| Water service line from the meter to the house | The homeowner |
| All pipes inside the house | The homeowner |
| Sewer main in the street | The sewer utility |
| Sewer lateral from the house to the main (often up to a cleanout or the property line) | The homeowner, with details set by the utility |
| Private well and septic system | The homeowner (no utility side) |
Who do you call right now?
Where the water or sewage shows up decides who fixes it. Use this chart before you call.
- Call the utility
Water in the street or at the meter box
Call your water utility. That part is usually theirs. - Call the utility
The whole street has no water or a backup
Call the utility first. The problem is likely in the main. - Call now
A leak between the meter and your house
That line is usually yours. Shut off the main valve and call a plumber. - Call now
Sewage backing up inside your home
Stop using water and call a plumber to check your sewer line.
Which utility serves you?
| Area | Water and sewer (most addresses) | After-hours emergency |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta | Augusta Utilities Department | 706-842-3060 |
| Evans, Martinez and much of Columbia County | Columbia County Water Utility | 706-860-2587 |
| City of Grovetown | City of Grovetown (inside city limits) | Number on your bill |
| Harlem | City of Harlem or Columbia County Water Utility | Number on your bill |
| Hephzibah | City of Hephzibah Waterworks and Sewage or Augusta Utilities | Number on your bill |
Your water bill names your utility. Augusta Utilities lists broken water lines with gushing water, severe leaks and sewer backups in a home or street as after-hours emergencies.
Who to call first
| What you see | Call first |
|---|---|
| Water gushing in the street or at the meter box | The utility |
| Whole street has no water, or several homes have sewer backups | The utility |
| Wet yard between the meter and your house | A plumber (your service line) |
| Sewage coming up only in your house | A plumber (your lateral), unless neighbors have it too |
| Leak or backup inside the house | A plumber |
How to report a leak to the utility
- Augusta Utilities: after hours 706-842-3060; non-emergency leaks can also be reported through Augusta 311
- Columbia County Water Utility: after hours 706-860-2587; office 706-868-3375
- Say the address, what you see and whether it affects one home or the street
What to do while you wait for the utility
- Write down the time you called and any ticket number they give you
- Mark where water is coming up with a stake or flag so the crew can find it
- Keep cars and children away from soft ground near a leak
- If the leak is on your side, close the main valve at the house to stop the water
- Take photos of the leak and the meter box
Questions to ask the plumber
- Is the leak on my side of the meter, or the utility's?
- Can the line be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
- Is a permit needed for this work in my city or county?
- Will you restore the yard or driveway after digging?
- What is the price before you start?
For help with a leak on your side, see water main leak repair. For a sewer backup inside your home, see sewer backup repair.
When it is your side
A leak on the service line is covered on our water main leak repair page, and a blocked sewer lateral on sewer backup repair.
Utility rules can change. Always check with your utility for the exact responsibility point at your address.
Sources: Augusta Utilities Department, contact and after-hours emergency page. Columbia County Water Utility Services page. City of Hephzibah public utilities page.
