Burlington Water Resources operates a 24-hour dispatch line for water main breaks and visible leaks; customers are responsible for service-line leaks from the curb stop to the building and for prompt repair after notice.
BWS distinguishes between main-side leaks (city responsibility, repaired free) and service-line leaks (property owner responsibility from curb stop or property line inward). Customers reporting visible water on streets, sinkholes, or pressure drops should call dispatch immediately. Once notified of a private-side leak, the property owner typically has thirty days to repair or face a notice of violation and potential disconnection. BWS offers leak adjustment credits on bills when repairs are documented.
Failure to repair after 30 days: notice of violation, water shutoff, lien for unpaid charges.
See how Burlington's leak reporting duty rules stack up against other locations.
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