Rochester, NY Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Chapter 23 of the City Code, the Waterworks chapter, splits responsibility for a water service pipe at the curb valve. Under § 23-2(A), the Waterworks handles repairs to the section of pipe between the street main and the curb valve, but everything from the curb valve into the building is the property owner's job, including any necessary repair of the water service pipe. Where a property has no curb valve, the owner is responsible for repairs all the way back to the connection with the street main.

If the Director of Water finds a service pipe leaky or defective, § 23-2(A) lets the Director require the owner, by written notification, to make the necessary repairs; a problem of inadequate flow or pressure likewise has to be fixed by the owner replacing the service, since the Waterworks is not responsible for making any repairs to try to correct that problem. Section 23-5(C) reinforces the safety stakes: a leaky service pipe poses a serious risk of hazardous contamination of the water supply in case of low system pressure and must be replaced by the property owner as soon as possible.

All repair work must be done by a plumber licensed in Rochester, with the owner responsible for permits, fees, and any street or sidewalk restoration under § 23-2(B). If an owner doesn't correct a leaky or defective service pipe after notification, § 23-21(A)(1) lets the Director of Water shut off the water supply entirely, and under § 23-21(B) the Waterworks can shut the water off immediately, without waiting for notice to run its course, when a leaky or defective pipe is already causing damage, a hazardous condition, or a backflow risk into the City's water supply.