What is a water lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?
The contractor installing the water main generally installs the water service from the main to the property line. WSSC is responsible for maintaining the individual water service (lateral) from the main to the property line. Service lines (laterals) are generally ” to 1 ” for private homes and up to 12″ for larger commercial buildings. WSSC uses copper and cast iron for the service. In the past, some galvanized pipe was used, but it is currently being replaced by copper. The service line (lateral) from the property line to the house and all water pipes within the house/building are the responsibility of the homeowner. Water service on property can be copper, galvanized or plastic.
