Service Line Protection Program - DEP

Environmental Protection


Resources for Homeowners

Service Line Protection Program


Service Line Diagram

Property owners are responsible for maintaining all of the plumbing inside and outside of their property, including their water and sanitary sewer service lines that extend from the property to the city’s water and sewer mains in the street.

Repairs to water and sewer service lines can cost thousands of dollars and are not covered by most home insurance policies. American Water Resources (AWR) offers a voluntary water and sewer service line protection program to protect our customers from unexpected service line repair costs. To confirm eligibility and enroll, call AWR toll-free at (888) 300-3570 or visit the American Water Resources website.

Eligibility and Cost

Most residential and mixed-use properties with a single 2-inch or smaller service line are eligible. Properties must be equipped with wireless meter reading devices and be current on DEP charges or payment agreements. Once enrolled, the following charges will be included in your water and wastewater bill and must be paid to remain eligible:

Water Line: $84.84/year

Sewer Line: $143.04/year

Service Line Protection Program FAQs

Expand AllCollapse All

How much can a water or sewer service line break cost me?

The cost of repairing a broken service line can cost thousands of dollars. On average, it costs property owners between $3,000 and $5,000 to repair a water line break and between $10,000 and $15,000 to repair a sewer line break in New York City.

Who is American Water Resources?

American Water Resources (AWR) is a private entity that provides warranty protection and other services to homeowners throughout the United States. DEP customers can purchase warranty coverage for their water and wastewater lateral service lines on an optional basis and to pay the warranty fees along with their water and wastewater charges through their DEP bill as a convenience. No customer is required to purchase the warranties. AWR is an independent contractor retained through the New York City Water Board and is responsible for all repair work provided under the program.

How much does the program cost?

For water line protection, the rate is $84.84 per year and for sewer line protection, the rate is $143.04 per year. The New York City Water Board adopts the annual rates for the programs along with regular water and sewer service charges. These charges will be included in your DEP water and wastewater bill and must be paid to remain eligible.

How does the program work?

Enrolled customers will have unlimited protection for covered repairs with no service fees or deductibles. In the event of a break, customers should contact AWR directly to coordinate the repair. AWR will respond as quickly as possible to all requests. In the event of an emergency where DEP has issued a 10-day notice for a water leak or a Public Health Notice has been issued, a local plumber will arrive within 4 hours of your call. For all other issues, work will commence within 12 hours.

Are there situations or issues that the program will not cover?

Yes, there are circumstances or existing conditions that AWR will not replace or repair. You should review the contract carefully to understand potential limitations.