Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Cary

Cary, NC Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
Leak unrepaired beyond reasonable time
Notice period
Up to 30 days to fix
Issued by
Town utilities director or designee
Effective through
Local ord. 2024-Code-04 (12-12-2024)

Summary

Cary treats an unrepaired plumbing leak as prohibited water waste, requiring the customer to fix it once notified by the utilities director.

Water waste means any of the following: ... (3) Knowingly allow town water to escape through leaks, breaks, or malfunctions within the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any period of time beyond which such a leak or break should reasonably have been repaired or corrected.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).

Full Breakdown

Cary Code of Ordinances § 36-83 defines water waste to include knowingly allowing town water to escape through leaks, breaks, or malfunctions in a customer's plumbing or distribution system beyond a reasonable repair time. The utilities director identifies water wasters and may issue a written notice of water waste setting a compliance deadline of up to 30 days depending on the repair's complexity; continued wasting after that deadline draws a citation.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalty under the town fee schedule if the leak isn't fixed within the notice period (immediate to 30 days); the director may also restrict or terminate water service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cary, NC require me to fix a water leak on my property?
Yes. § 36-83 treats an unrepaired leak beyond a reasonable time as water waste, and the utilities director can order it fixed within a set deadline.
What happens if I don't fix a reported leak in Cary?
You can be cited and face a civil penalty under the town fee schedule, plus possible restriction or termination of water service.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cary

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsRecycled Water RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy Restrictions

All Cary rules

Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina water use rules overview

Get notified when Leak Reporting Duty in Cary, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.