If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
Per the Water Authority’s Sewer Use Ordinance, only the main sewer line is owned and maintained by the Water Authority. The owner owns the drains inside the building, the "sewer lateral" beneath the property, and the pipe/components connecting the lateral to the utility-owned sewer in the street or alley.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Own and maintain the sewer lateral beneath the property plus the pipe and components connecting it to the utility-owned sewer in the street or alley. |
| City / public agency | The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority owns and maintains only the main sewer line. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 12, 2026.
Privately owned portions of the sewer system include the drains inside the home or business, the “sewer lateral” beneath the property to which those drains connect, and the pipe and components necessary to connect the sewer lateral to the utility-owned sewer in the street or alley.
Per the Water Authority’s Sewer Use Ordinance, only the main sewer line is owned and maintained by the Water Authority.
City rules rest on state law. Read New Mexico's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for sewer lateral in Albuquerque, NM?
The property owner. Own and maintain the sewer lateral beneath the property plus the pipe and components connecting it to the utility-owned sewer in the street or alley.
What does the city cover in Albuquerque, NM?
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority owns and maintains only the main sewer line.
What is this based on for Albuquerque, NM?
This verdict is sourced to Sewer System: Sewer Line Responsibility (privately owned portions) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Sewer System: Sewer Line Responsibility (privately owned portions)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
- Sewer System: Sewer Line Responsibility (utility owns only the main)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
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