Locate & Check Policy

Locating & Operating The Water Service Box

Plumbers and/or property owners should contact us at (608) 266-4661 before operating the curb stop. We will mark the box and make sure the stop is working correctly.

Service Boxes and Service Valves

All service boxes and service valves must be located and exercised by Madison Water Utility personnel prior to operation by a property owner, plumber, or other contractor. This can be requested by contacting the utility at (608) 266-4661. Personnel will be sent to the site to locate and exercise the curb stop or service valve at no charge, and they will leave the service on or off upon request.

If the service is left off, there are three options for service restoration:

  1. Customers may have Madison Water Utility personnel return and turn the service back on for a fee of $50 during normal business hours or $70 after hours.

  2. Customers may also pick up a curb key or valve key to turn the service on themselves.
    Keys can be picked up at our Operations Center, 110 S. Paterson St. 

    The following items must be submitted:

    • A key deposit form
    • Deposit - $250 for curb or Burke key, $200 for valve key. Cash or check only.

    Keys may be picked up or returned during normal business hours at our Paterson St. Operations Center, M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  3. If a plumber or contractor already has a curb key or valve key, that person may turn the service back on at no charge.
    Important: Locate and checks are done Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    For after-hours emergencies: call (608) 266-4665.

Failure to follow this policy will result in your liability for damages and repairs.

Madison Water Utility Administrative Office
119 East Olin Ave.
Madison, WI 53713

Madison Water Utility Operations Center
110 S. Paterson Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4661