If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
The Board of Water Supply defines the service lateral as running from the main to, and including, the meter box and consumer's shut-off valve; the consumer is responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | The consumer is responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter, and installs and connects the supply pipe at the consumer's expense. |
| City / utility | Owns and maintains the water meter box on the street side of the property; the Board's service lateral runs from the main to, and including, the meter box and the consumer's shut-off valve. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 12, 2026.
The consumer has sole control of the water delivered through the meter and will be responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter.
SERVICE LATERAL " shall mean the main tap, pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances from the main to, and including, the meter box and consumer's shut-off valve.
The consumer shall install and connect at his expense his supply pipe to the shut-off valve or outlet installed by the Department.
The water meter box is owned and maintained by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and is located on street side near your property and usually under a metal cover.
City rules rest on state law. Read Hawaii's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water service line in Honolulu, HI?
Responsibility is shared. The consumer is responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter, and installs and connects the supply pipe at the consumer's expense.
What is this based on for Honolulu, HI?
This verdict is sourced to Rules & Regulations, Chapter II (Control and Maintenance) and 4 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Rules & Regulations, Chapter II (Control and Maintenance)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-12
- Rules & Regulations: Definitionsstatute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-12
- Rules & Regulations, Chapter II (Consumer's Supply Pipe)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-12
- Leak Detection (BWS water meter box) · accessed 2026-10-12
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