New York, NY Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Admin Code § 24-316
- Repair deadline after shut-off
- 3 days
- Who must repair
- Owner or occupant, licensed plumber
- Enforcing agency
- NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection
- Unpaid cost consequence
- Lien on the premises
Summary
When DEP finds a leak at a water tap or service pipe, it notifies the owner or occupant, who must make repairs to stop the leak or face the tap being shut off.
When a test made by the department of environmental protection indicates that there is a leak at a tap or in a service pipe, if conditions permit, a notice shall be served by a representative of such department upon the owner or occupant of the premises being supplied by such tap or service pipe. The notice shall direct that all necessary repairs be made to stop the leak.
Full Breakdown
Under Administrative Code § 24-316, when a Department of Environmental Protection test shows a leak at a tap or in a service pipe, DEP serves notice on the owner or occupant directing that all necessary repairs be made to stop the leak. If DEP shuts off a leaking tap, it notifies the owner or occupant, who must hire a licensed plumber to make the repair and handle the street excavation. Missing the 3-day deadline (absent an emergency) leaves the tap closed and DEP backfills the excavation itself. DEP also keeps a public, building-by-building record of this work under § 24-317, and unpaid repair costs become a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Failure to engage a licensed plumber within 3 days of a DEP tap shut-off notice (barring emergencies) leaves the water tap closed indefinitely and DEP backfills the excavation; DEP's costs become a lien on the property under § 24-317.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who tells me my water tap or service pipe is leaking in NYC?
What happens if I don't fix a leak after DEP shuts off my tap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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