Bethlehem, PA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

04 defines the customer's service line as the pipe carrying water from the curb line to the user, distinct from the City's own service line running from the main to the curb. The customer owns the maintenance duty for everything past the curb: all connections, service lines, and fixtures the customer installs must be kept in good order, and the customer must properly protect any valves, meters, or appliances the City owns on the property. The operative leak rule is direct: all leaks in the customer service line, or in any other pipe or fixture on the premises, must be repaired immediately by the customer.

If repairs aren't made with reasonable dispatch, the City can discontinue water service after giving 5 days' notice. The City bears no responsibility for maintaining the customer's service line or for any damage caused by water escaping from it or from fixtures on the customer's property. Service lines from the curb to the user must be laid at least 4 feet deep, built to City specifications. 04 makes the landlord responsible for complying with all City water rules, including paying the water bill, regardless of a tenant's usage.