Who is responsible for the water line in Atlanta?

By provider

• City of Atlanta: the city repairs from the main to the meter; the homeowner repairs from the meter to the house (Atlanta Watershed Management).
• DeKalb: the county owns from the main to the meter, including the meter; the owner owns from the meter to the home's plumbing (DeKalb County).
• Cobb: the county maintains the line to the meter; the owner maintains the line from the meter to the building or the irrigation system (Cobb County Water System).
• Gwinnett: owners are responsible for everything on their side of the meter, including leaks between the meter and the home, backflow devices, irrigation and some water pressure issues (Gwinnett County).

Reporting a leak on the city side

To report a water system leak in Atlanta, Watershed Management lists 404-546-0311 (Atlanta Watershed Management).

Finding a leak on your side

Atlanta Watershed Management says underground leaks between the meter and the building often leave no visible sign and may need a specialized leak detection company (Atlanta Watershed Management). Start with the water meter check.

Insurance

The Georgia Attorney General's consumer office says many homeowner policies do not cover the line from the street to the house, and that water pipes on your property are your responsibility (Georgia Consumer Ed).

Common questions

Does replacing the line need a permit?

Atlanta's plumbing permit form lists replacing underground piping and installing water service among work that needs a plumbing permit (City of Atlanta).