If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
MLGW states the water service line is a shared responsibility between MLGW and the homeowner; MLGW is piloting full-line replacement covering both the customer and MLGW side, indicating a split between a utility-side and a customer-side portion of the line.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Responsible for the homeowner (customer-side) portion of the water service line. |
| City / public agency | MLGW is responsible for the MLGW-side portion of the water service line and is piloting full-line (customer + MLGW side) replacement. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 12, 2026.
The water service line is a shared responsiblity between MLGW and the homeowner.
In 2024 and 2025 we will pilot our program for “full line replacement,” including customer and MLGW side service lines, and develop a program for customers to apply for replacement assistance in the future.
City rules rest on state law. Read Tennessee's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water service line in Memphis, TN?
Responsibility is shared. Responsible for the homeowner (customer-side) portion of the water service line.
What is this based on for Memphis, TN?
This verdict is sourced to Water Service Lines: shared responsibility (note: source spells it “responsiblity”) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Water Service Lines: shared responsibility (note: source spells it “responsiblity”)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
- Water Service Lines: full-line replacement pilot (customer + MLGW side)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
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