Show All Answers

1. How much does coverage cost?

The cost is $12 per year and it is automatically collected on the Real Estate Property Tax bill collected by the Saint Charles County Assessor’s Office.

2. How do I know if my house is covered?

The program covers all residential structure types up to 4 units. Examples include single family homes, duplexes, residential triplexes, 4-unit residential structures, and residential condo units with individual water service connections.

3. How do I enroll in the program?

If your house is within the city limits of Saint Charles, you will be automatically enrolled.

4. My house is inside the city limits but I have Missouri-American water, am I still covered?

Yes, you are. Any eligible residential structure within the city limits (up to four units) is covered.

5. My house is outside the city limits but I have City of Saint Charles water, am I covered?

No, residential structures outside of the city limits are not eligible. The program is for city residents only.

6. When did this program begin?

The program began January 1, 2014.

7. What is my water service line?

Your water service line is the portion of your water line that runs from the exterior building wall to the water meter or to the first shut off valve from the water main line.

8. How do I know if I have a leak?

The obvious answer is, if water is shooting out of the ground or a large pool has formed in your yard, there is a problem. The more common answer is that if you notice your water bill has doubled, tripled, or has gotten a lot larger without you recalling that you used more water, you may have a leak.

9. My water bill has skyrocketed, what do I do?

First thing, contact Collections / Billing at 636-949-3212. We will set up a visit with a service specialist and the water line insurance program administrator and determine if the meter is malfunctioning, if there is a leak within the house, or a leak in the service line.

10. How much of the repair cost does the program cover?

The program will reimburse 100% of the lowest of 3 bids submitted by plumbers to repair the service up to $3,000.

11. Three bids, what’s that about?

The water service program is set up much like the city’s sanitary sewer lateral insurance program. On both programs the resident meets with the program administrator to determine the scope of the repair. The program administrator puts together a repair description for the resident to acquire multiple quotes from plumbers. The resident can choose which plumber they would like to bid on the repair and can choose which plumber they want to complete the repair. The program only reimburses 100% of the lowest bid.

12. Are my irrigation lines covered?

No, only the service line from the water meter or first shut off valve from the water mainline to your exterior building line is covered.

13. Can I opt out of the program?

No, the program was approved by the voters. Therefore, all homeowners of eligible properties are assessed the $12 per year and will be enrolled in the water line program