Wayne, NJ Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Section 205-40 of the Wayne Township Code puts the service line between the curb stop and the meter on the property owner. The owner keeps the line in good repair, protects it from damage due to frost or other causes, and is held liable for damage or loss of water resulting from failure to do so. All leaks in the service line must be reported promptly to the Division of Water and Sewers and repaired by the property owner. If the repairs are not made, the Division shuts the water off, and it is not turned on again until the line is put in serviceable condition and all charges for damage or loss of water have been paid.

The owner's duty continues past the meter. Under Section 205-42, any necessary maintenance, repairs, replacement or changes in piping, valves or connections on the house side of the curb cock, including all material and labor, are made by the property owner at his or her own expense, subject to inspection and approval by the Division of Water and Sewers. Plumbing work on a service line can be done only by a duly licensed plumber registered with the Division, and under Section 205-35 that plumber must report to the Division within five days all violations of the chapter that come to his or her knowledge.

Meter problems follow a separate reporting rule. Section 205-28 requires that failure of a meter to register properly be reported immediately to the Division of Water and Sewers, and charges for the period of failure are computed on the basis of the average consumption over a reasonable period prior to the failure. Section 205-27 reserves repair, adjustment and disconnection of the meter or its seal to Division employees. Section 205-24(B) makes the consumer responsible for protecting the meter from injury, frost or freezing, with owner liability set by a fee table that runs from $230.00 for a 5/8 x 3/4 meter to $1,050 for a 2 inch meter. Under Section 205-38, obstructions blocking access to a meter, curb stop or valve must be removed within 10 days, and Section 205-41 sets 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as the reasonable hours for Division access to premises. Section 205-43(B) provides that the Township is not liable for damages claimed from failure or restriction of the water supply or from low or high pressure.