Public Utility Providers and Municipal Agencies
Responsibility for maintaining most utility systems—such as water mains, sewer lines, electrical distribution, and natural gas—is typically assigned to the respective public utility providers or municipal departments.

• Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure in public rights-of-way are maintained by the city or county
  
• Electric and gas companies maintain transformers, meters, and service lines up to the demarcation point
  
• These entities handle routine inspections, emergency repairs, and system upgrades
  

Property Owners and Private Users
Once utilities cross onto private property, maintenance responsibility generally shifts to the property owner or tenant. This includes service lines, internal infrastructure, and equipment located within the site boundaries.

• Owners are responsible for maintaining private water/sewer laterals, electrical panels, and internal piping
  
• Damage to utility connections on private property (e.g., broken sewer laterals) must be repaired at the owner’s expense
  
• Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to avoid service disruptions
  

Outlined in Service Agreements and Utility Codes
The exact division of responsibility is defined in utility service agreements, local utility codes, and development approvals. These documents clarify where public responsibility ends and private responsibility begins.

• Service agreements outline maintenance obligations for both parties
  
• Building codes and zoning regulations enforce compliance with utility standards
  
• Easements or access agreements may grant utility providers permission to enter for maintenance