LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — We got a tip from a viewer with questions about multiple letters they received for water line insurance programs. Like many locals, you, too, may have received these letters and have questions.
“If I got the letter, maybe everybody else in Las Vegas got it," said the viewer, who asked to remain anonymous. This viewer had questions: “What’s covered, for how much, for how long — can you cancel?”
I checked out the letters — some were from the Las Vegas Valley Water District and a company called American Water Resources. Another letter came from a company called Homeserve, which is not affiliated with the district.
According to the paperwork, these warranty programs — which come at a monthly fee — cover the water line if it leaks or breaks. This is the piping between your house and the water meter. If damage were to occur to this part of the water line, it would be the homeowner's expense, not the utility's.
I spoke with Henderson resident Sara Collett, who said she knows firsthand the costly reality of a leak.
“Probably about a year and a half ago, my residence from 1986 — so we’re talking 30 years old — the main line went out, and of course, it was on my side," Collett said. "They had to cut the cement, and then they had to dig it all out. It was probably less than 30 feet, and it was about $8,000."
That’s not the only water repair she’s had to deal with, as she is also a condo owner and HOA board member at Somerset Park. The residents of the Somerset condominiums are on the hook for nearly $700,000 worth of repairs after substantial flooding last year.
Check out Channel 13's previous coverage from Reporter Ryan Ketcham:
“It’s always a surprise. Ultimately, you know you’re responsible, but it’s not something that you ever think is going to happen," Collett said.
Water line protection programs might give homeowners a new option to prepare for the worst.
I reached out to Bronson Mack, the public information officer for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, and shared our viewer's questions with him.
Mack says mailers were sent out to all LVVWD customers to let them know about the optional coverage plan, explaining that the water district has negotiated a lower warranty rate for its customers.
According to LVVWD, the warranty includes up to $10,000 in coverage for qualifying water line repairs. Mack says it comes in response to a deluge of water repair calls last year.
“We issued nearly 40,000 notifications to customers informing them of leaks. A small, pinhole-sized leak in your service line can be upwards of 4,000 gallons per day, whereas a breakage in your service line can be upwards of 25,000 gallons per day," Mack said.
The water district tells me the first 50,000 households that enroll in this water line protection program will be reimbursed for a year.
Mack directed those with additional questions about the program to review the LVVWD's customer assistance programs webpage.
