By PlumberDallas.com editorialUpdated
What the City says
Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24 makes the City responsible for "a service connection from the main to the meter." DWU's Lead and Copper brochure describes the owner's side as "from the water meter to the home or building and including all interior plumbing."
In plain terms
- Water main in the street or alley: City
- Pipe from main to meter, and the meter: City
- Pipe from meter to house (the private service line): owner
- Everything inside the house: owner
Leaking near the meter?
A leak at or before the meter is reported to Dallas 311. A leak after the meter is a plumbing repair. See when to call 311 vs a plumber.
Related Dallas plumbing services
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for a leak between the meter and my house?
The property owner. That is the private service line.
Does Highland Park or University Park follow the same rule?
They run their own utilities; check with the Town or City.
Sources
- Dallas City Code Sec. 49-24, Service connections
- Dallas Water Utilities — Lead and Copper Rule update brochure
- Dallas Water Utilities — Request emergency services / how to turn off your water
Official sources, checked October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm current requirements with the issuing agency.
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