Water Service Line Protection
Medford Water Commission (MWC) has become aware that some of our customers will be receiving mail from a company suggesting the need to purchase “water service line protection”. Similar mailings from various companies have occurred over the years, all offering coverage for repairs that may become necessary for the main household water line that runs between the water meter and house.
While the marketing materials do state that the mailing is coming from an independent company that is not affiliated with the local water utility, this is still confusing to many people. We therefore wish to make it clear that these solicitations did NOT come from MWC, and in most cases, we have no knowledge that they have been mailed until we are contacted by customers who received them. Additionally, MWC never sells personal information about our customers, and has not provided customer names or addresses to any of the companies sending these mailings.
Although these solicitations do not refer to their product as “insurance,” it functions similarly, and as with any such product, it is a personal decision whether or not to purchase protection to cover particular risks.
The marketing materials are correct in stating that the water service line that runs between the water meter and the house is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain and repair. If you are considering purchasing coverage to repair or replace this line, contacting a local plumber might help you determine the potential cost and likelihood for such a project based on such factors as the distance between your water meter and your house, impediments such as trees or paving, and the approximate age of the existing water line. And, as always, be sure to read the fine print to make sure you understand the limitations and benefits of any coverage you may be purchasing.
If you have any questions, please call our customer service department at (541) 774-2430.
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