American Water expands water programmes to homeowners in three states

American Water Resources, a subsidiary of American Water Works Company, is expanding its Water Line and Sewer Line Protection Programmes to homeowners in the states of Maine, Minnesota and Oklahoma, US.

The programmes, which are offered through American Water Resources, provide homeowners with protection from the costs associated with leaks and breaks in water lines, as well as clogs or blockages in sewer lines running through their property.
The repairs are not covered by homeowners’ insurance or by their water or sewer service provider.

The Water Line Programme covers up to $5,000 in service line repairs and up to an additional $5,000 for street repairs, while the Sewer Line Protection Programme covers up to $4,000 for sewer line repairs plus up to $4,000 for street repairs, where necessary.

American Water Resources president Malcolm Conner said: "Until a homeowner experiences a service line problem, many are unaware that they are responsible for the maintenance of the water and sewer lines that service their home.

"Since repairs to these pipes are not covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies, the job of finding, hiring and paying someone to fix a service line problem falls solely on the homeowner.

"As of 2010, 45% of all pipes are in poor shape according to the National Association of Water Companies and the US Chamber of Commerce.

"Similarly, homeowners’ pipes can experience leaks and breaks or clogs and blockages due to age, tree roots and shifting soil resulting from weather and climate changes.

"So we are pleased to be able to educate homeowners about service line responsibility and to offer programmes that help protect them from the potentially high cost of these repairs. Another benefit of enrollment in these programs is that homeowners don’t need to go through the hassle of finding a qualified, trustworthy contractor to make what can be an emergency repair."

As part of its expansion, the company is currently reviewing and selecting additional local, qualified plumbing contractors.