Property Easements & Meter Access
New installation in an existing easement
As set forth in the Rules and Regulations, "The member shall provide a location for metering which will be unobstructed and accessible at all times." It is very important that landscaping materials such as mulch or plantings, and any other debris, dirt, or leaves be kept clear from the meter lid at all times. We need these meter pits to remain unobstructed at all times so that they can be properly read each month and serviced when necessary. This becomes extremely important to members when a water leak occurs within their plumbing system and our service representatives are asked to shut off service. If we are unable to quickly locate the meter, considerable damage and lost water may result - at the expense of the member!
During very cold weather conditions, our meter pits are designed to prevent freezing of the meter and service line provided that the lid is completely closed. If you notice a pit cover that is loosely on and you are unable to close it tightly, please call our office (812-335-8499) to have a service representative correct the problem.
During very cold weather conditions, our meter pits are designed to prevent freezing of the meter and service line provided that the lid is completely closed. If you notice a pit cover that is loosely on and you are unable to close it tightly, please call our office (812-335-8499) to have a service representative correct the problem.
Utility Easements - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a utility easement?
Who owns the utility easement?
How are utility easements created?
Why is it important to keep easements clear?
What if I build on an existing easement?
What if I build a fence in an easement?
Can I place decorative landscaping on a utility easement?
What about damages from utility marking for construction?
Who owns the utility easement?
How are utility easements created?
Why is it important to keep easements clear?
What if I build on an existing easement?
What if I build a fence in an easement?
Can I place decorative landscaping on a utility easement?
What about damages from utility marking for construction?
What is a utility easement?
Utility easements are strips of land used by utility companies to construct and maintain overhead electric, telephone and cable television lines and underground electric, water, sewer, telephone and cable television lines.
Who owns the utility easement
The property owner owns all of the land including the utility easements. However, Utilities have a right to access that portion of land which has been designated a utility easement
How are utility easements created
Utility easements are usually created at the time a plat for a new development is designed. Utility easements almost always exist along streets and along rear lot lines, and sometimes exist between two lots. A home builder requesting new utility service will grant a utility easement which is then recorded with the county
Why is it important to keep easements clear
Keeping utility easements clear helps utility companies perform routine maintenance (e.g. replace a pole), construct improvement projects (e.g. install a new water main), and repair utility lines during emergencies (e.g. remove a tree which has fallen on a power line during a lightning storm)
What if I build on an existing easement
Infrastructure construction is subject to Building Setback Lines, and therefore cannot be built within the easement. Setback lines are shown on your subdivision plat. Granted easements provide the Utilities full access to all portions of the designated easement
What if I build a fence in an easement
An obstruction in the way of a utility company lengthens outage or interruption by making the utility company move obstructions out of the way. The damage caused by moving an object out of the way or removing a fence is not the responsibility of the utility company. The utility company, by the rights of the easement, has the power to do what it takes to maintain the utility
Can I place decorative landscaping on a utility easement
Most Utilities encourage decorative landscaping within the utility right-of way with the understanding that any materials placed within the boundaries of the utility easement are subject to damage and are not the responsibility of the utility owner. Any replacement cost for such damages is clearly at the discretion of the utility owner
What about damages from utility marking for construction
By law, Utilities have the right to mark utility locations in a discrete, non-obtrusive manner, within the boundaries of the utility easement. The type, color and location of these markings are regulated under state law. Although utilities will usually make an effort to limit damage to landscaping, all damages to landscaping located within the boundaries of the utility easement are the responsibility of the land-owner