Wildwood may participate in a National League of Cities program that offers insurance to homeowners and businesses to cover the cost of water and sewer line repairs.
For a low monthly fee, property owners are insured against failing lines. Fees range from $5.75 to $9.39 and the higher fee also covers indoor plumbing repairs.
While cities pay for water and sewer main lines, property owners are responsible for the lines running from the street connections.
Most property owners do not set aside money for potential service line repairs and breaks or other issues sometimes are difficult to detect because the lines are underground.
Local licensed plumbers are hired to complete repairs, which are free to those with the insurance. The program covers replacement of old lead, tile or clay pipes.
Despite Wildwood’s rapid growth and newer utility lines, a substantial portion of the city is served by aging lines. Officials are studying the plan and will decide whether to participate early next year.
A study by the National Association of Water Companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that almost half of the nation’s utility lines are in bad shape. Many lines were installed after World War II and they can be damaged by invasive tree roots, poor soil conditions or extreme temperature changes.
The league’s Service Line Warranty Program currently operates in more than 600 cities nationwide. Administered by Service Line Warranties of America, the program has helped more than 140,000 homeowners save over $90 million in repair costs.
Under the program, property owners can report service line issues to a 24-hour hotline staffed with live operators.
The program operates at no cost to the city and the city can share in revenues.
The 90-year-old National League of Cities is an advocacy organization representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages, as well as 49 state municipal leagues.
