Service Responsibilities

Water & Wastewater Service Responsibilities

The City of Corinth is committed to maintaining reliable public water and wastewater infrastructure while adhering to state laws. Below is a clear breakdown of where public responsibility starts and ends for each property owner.

Definition of a Main Line

A main line is a publicly owned and maintained water or wastewater pipeline that serves as the primary distribution or collection system for multiple properties. These larger pipelines are typically located within the public right-of-way (ROW) or utility easements and are designed to connect to private service lines.

  • Water Main – A pipeline that distributes potable (drinking) water from the City’s supply system to private water service lines that connect to individual property meters.
  • Sanitary Sewer Main – A pipeline that collects wastewater from private sewer laterals and conveys it to the City's wastewater treatment system.

Public vs. Private Infrastructure Responsibility

  • The City is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water and wastewater main lines located within the public right-of-way (ROW).
  • Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their private water service lines and sewer laterals, even if these lines extend into the public right-of-way.
  • Private service lines remain private, regardless of their location. The City cannot use public funds to maintain, repair, or replace private service lines per Texas Constitution, Article 3, Section 52(a).

Special Considerations for Private Lines Under Roadways

The City acknowledges that some private service lines run beneath roadways, creating an undue burden for property owners. To help minimize disruption, the City will assume responsibility starting at the edge of the roadway for necessary repairs to private lines. However, the private service line remains the property owner’s responsibility if roots are causing the issue prior to the roadway edge.

  • If sidewalk panels must be removed during repairs, the City will remove and replace them to meet ADA and City standards.
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