Water Utility

Madison Water Utility is fielding dozens of phone calls and inquiries from homeowners about letters they've received from a company called Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA). The company is offering insurance for water service lateral lines, the pipe that runs from the water main under the street to a home. The company is not affiliated with the City of Madison or with Madison Water Utility, and the letters are simply part of a widespread sales campaign. Callers are concerned that the letters appear to indicate that water lateral coverage is required by the City or has something to do with their existing sewer line coverage. Neither is the case.

While it is true that water service line repairs are a homeowner’s responsibility, it’s a good idea to read the fine print before buying any insurance policy. It's also important to note that water service lines are much smaller (1-inch diameter) than sewer lines and are often made of copper, while some older sewer lines are made of a brittle clay-like material. 

Water lines are private property, and Madison Water Utility does not make any recommendations with respect to insurance coverage. Decisions about whether or not to insure water lines are completely up to the property's owner. People who received the mailers can talk with their homeowners insurance agent to see if this type of coverage is worth the cost.