In June, the Village Board authorized a three-year agreement with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA). SLWA administers the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program. The program offers residential property owners a warranty with a low monthly fee that can help pay for unexpected repairs to water or sewer line laterals that connect their property to municipally owned water and sewer mains.
Residents who have a clay or cast iron sewer service line to their home may wish to consider purchasing a service line warranty, particularly if they have a history of backups or problems with roots. Water service lines that are made out of copper or PVC tend to be more stable, therefor most residents may not need water service line insurance at this time. If you're not sure what kind of sewer service line you have, a local plumber will be able to give you an assessment of your service line.
Participation in the warranty program is strictly voluntary. The Village has granted SLWA permission to use the Village name and logo on their mailings during the three-year agreement, so that residents can distinguish the program from other private service line insurance solicitations.
However, SLWA is the administrator of the program, and no public funds are used to promote it. The program has been designed for municipal governments and can help ensure that responsible contractors are working on private water or sewer service line repairs.
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The public right of way is the area 15 feet behind the curb in subdivisions and approximately five feet behind the ditch in rural areas (the amount of right of way will vary, based on the different types of road profiles throughout the Village).
Homeowners are responsible for repairing any portion of the water or sewer service lines that rest inside of the private property line leading to their home. The Village is responsible for repairing any water or sewer service lines inside of the right of way, along with any other public water or sewer infrastructure.
In recent years, residents have contacted the Village regarding mailings they have received from companies selling private water line insurance. The Village had encouraged residents to research these companies and their offers through the Better Business Bureau and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
The Village entered the agreement with SLWA in order to help residents identify an affordable and reputable option for service line warranties and to ensure that responsible local contractors are working on the private service line repairs. More information is available at www.slwofa.com.