{ "dataset": "Michigan Sewer Line Responsibility and Backup Claim Database", "publisher": "GrandRapidsSewerLineRepair.com Research", "version": "1.0", "datePublished": "2026-07-20", "dateModified": "2026-07-20", "scope": "25 selected Michigan jurisdictions and utilities", "license": "Educational reference; not legal advice. Verify each row with the cited official source before relying on it.", "sourceHierarchy": [ "1. Michigan statute or public act", "2. Municipal code or ordinance", "3. Official utility or municipal webpage", "4. Official government policy, packet, or claim form", "5. Official government FAQ" ], "classDefinitions": { "A": "Owner-to-main / private-lateral: official source clearly places the private lateral or service lead on the owner through or up to the public main.", "C": "Mixed or qualified: jurisdiction uses conditional language, connection-type distinctions, right-of-way reimbursement, or another material qualification.", "D": "Not plainly published: official material reviewed did not state a sufficiently precise generic boundary. Does not mean the government is responsible." }, "responsibilityMatrix": [ {"record_id":"MI-R-001","jurisdiction":"Ann Arbor","utility_agency":"City of Ann Arbor","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the sewer service line to the city main, including right-of-way portions and restoration","key_exception_qualification":"Follow city permit rules before right-of-way work; owner responsible for repaving road if lead fails there","backup_reporting_contact":"734-794-6320; after hours 734-994-2840","official_source":"City of Ann Arbor","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-002","jurisdiction":"Lansing","utility_agency":"City of Lansing","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible from the building through the connection to the city main","key_exception_qualification":"Report first so the city can check the public main","backup_reporting_contact":"517-483-4455","official_source":"City of Lansing","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-003","jurisdiction":"Livonia","utility_agency":"City of Livonia","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the sewer lead and its connection to the main","key_exception_qualification":"Contact the city first for a backup investigation","backup_reporting_contact":"734-466-2650","official_source":"City of Livonia","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-004","jurisdiction":"East Lansing","utility_agency":"City of East Lansing","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the private line up to and including the connection to the public main","key_exception_qualification":"Report the backup before assuming a private cause","backup_reporting_contact":"517-337-9459","official_source":"City of East Lansing","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-005","jurisdiction":"East Grand Rapids","utility_agency":"City of East Grand Rapids","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner must maintain the lateral from the structure to the public sewer","key_exception_qualification":"Ordinance does not separately describe the connection","backup_reporting_contact":"616-940-4870","official_source":"EGR City Code","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-006","jurisdiction":"Ionia","utility_agency":"City of Ionia","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the lateral through and including the connection to the city system","key_exception_qualification":"Use the city packet and permit rules for excavation","backup_reporting_contact":"616-527-4170","official_source":"City of Ionia","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-007","jurisdiction":"Warren","utility_agency":"City of Warren","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the lateral from the building to the city main","key_exception_qualification":"Diagram does not classify every tap/connection failure","backup_reporting_contact":"586-759-9200","official_source":"City of Warren","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-008","jurisdiction":"Royal Oak","utility_agency":"City of Royal Oak","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for the service line from the main to the property including the connection","key_exception_qualification":"Public-area construction still subject to city rules","backup_reporting_contact":"248-246-3300","official_source":"City of Royal Oak","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-009","jurisdiction":"Traverse City","utility_agency":"City of Traverse City","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner maintains the lateral including the connection and portions in the street or public areas","key_exception_qualification":"Street excavation/restoration subject to city rules","backup_reporting_contact":"231-922-4923","official_source":"City of Traverse City","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-010","jurisdiction":"Delta Township","utility_agency":"Delta Township","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Service lead to the main stays owner-owned even in a street or utility easement","key_exception_qualification":"Work in public areas subject to township rules","backup_reporting_contact":"517-323-8570 (24/7)","official_source":"Delta Township","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-011","jurisdiction":"Grand Blanc Township","utility_agency":"Grand Blanc Twp / applicable provider","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible for home plumbing and the connection to the public sewer","key_exception_qualification":"Correct claim recipient depends on the serving utility","backup_reporting_contact":"Applicable utility provider","official_source":"Grand Blanc Twp","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-012","jurisdiction":"Ypsilanti (YCUA)","utility_agency":"Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority","class":"A","plain_language_boundary":"When the main is clear the owner is responsible for the private lateral connecting the public sewer to the home","key_exception_qualification":"Packet does not separately state connection ownership","backup_reporting_contact":"734-484-4600","official_source":"YCUA claim packet","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-013","jurisdiction":"Detroit","utility_agency":"Detroit Water & Sewerage Dept. (DWSD)","class":"C","plain_language_boundary":"Owner responsible from the building to the connection at the collection pipe; connection responsibility can vary by type/failure mode","key_exception_qualification":"Permit guide distinguishes wyes from saddles","backup_reporting_contact":"313-267-8000","official_source":"City of Detroit","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-014","jurisdiction":"Portage","utility_agency":"City of Portage / Veolia","class":"C","plain_language_boundary":"The line from the house to the street is, in most instances, the owner's","key_exception_qualification":"Wording is qualified; no universal endpoint for every property","backup_reporting_contact":"269-324-9235 (Veolia)","official_source":"City of Portage","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-015","jurisdiction":"Niles","utility_agency":"City of Niles","class":"C","plain_language_boundary":"Owner owns the entire lateral to the main including the connection — but the city may pay reasonable customary right-of-way repair costs under its policy","key_exception_qualification":"City must dispatch a crew and follow its inspection/authorization procedure first","backup_reporting_contact":"269-683-4700 (DPW)","official_source":"City of Niles","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-016","jurisdiction":"Grand Rapids","utility_agency":"City of Grand Rapids","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Not plainly stated as a complete generic boundary in the official materials we reviewed","key_exception_qualification":"City publishes reporting/claim/PA 222 procedures — but those are not an ownership rule","backup_reporting_contact":"311 / 616-456-3000","official_source":"City of Grand Rapids","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-017","jurisdiction":"Dearborn","utility_agency":"City of Dearborn","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Inspection-dependent; if the main is clear the owner is directed to a plumber but no complete generic endpoint is stated","key_exception_qualification":"Do not convert the inspection workflow into a boundary","backup_reporting_contact":"311 / 313-943-2150","official_source":"City of Dearborn","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-018","jurisdiction":"Troy","utility_agency":"City of Troy","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Claims material states procedures but not a clear generic repair boundary","key_exception_qualification":"A claim page is not evidence of the physical boundary","backup_reporting_contact":"248-524-3370","official_source":"City of Troy","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-019","jurisdiction":"Westland","utility_agency":"City of Westland","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Backup-notice material does not state a clear generic boundary","key_exception_qualification":"Useful for reporting/notice not for inferring ownership","backup_reporting_contact":"734-728-1770","official_source":"City of Westland","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-020","jurisdiction":"Farmington Hills / Oakland County WRC","utility_agency":"Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner (system-dependent)","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Says municipalities aren't obligated to repair a private lead but does not define a universal endpoint","key_exception_qualification":"The appropriate agency can vary by system","backup_reporting_contact":"248-858-1127","official_source":"Oakland County WRC","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-021","jurisdiction":"Mason","utility_agency":"City of Mason","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Claim material does not state a clear generic boundary","key_exception_qualification":"Claim page should not be used to infer ownership","backup_reporting_contact":"517-676-9155","official_source":"City of Mason","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-022","jurisdiction":"Genoa Twp. / GOSA","utility_agency":"Genoa-Oceola Sewer Authority","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Emergency and claim procedures published but no clear generic boundary","key_exception_qualification":"Don't infer ownership from the claim recipient","backup_reporting_contact":"855-231-6692","official_source":"GOSA","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-023","jurisdiction":"Fremont","utility_agency":"City of Fremont","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"States the private lateral is the owner's but does not define a precise endpoint","key_exception_qualification":"Source does not resolve tap/connection/right-of-way","backup_reporting_contact":"231-924-2101","official_source":"City of Fremont","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-024","jurisdiction":"Ecorse","utility_agency":"City of Ecorse","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"States no obligation to repair a private lead but no precise endpoint","key_exception_qualification":"Source does not resolve every connection condition","backup_reporting_contact":"313-294-3707; after hours 313-381-0900","official_source":"City of Ecorse","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-R-025","jurisdiction":"Van Buren Township","utility_agency":"Van Buren Twp. Water Dept.","class":"D","plain_language_boundary":"Basement-flooding claim page does not state a clear generic boundary","key_exception_qualification":"The claim route is not an ownership rule","backup_reporting_contact":"734-699-8925","official_source":"Van Buren Twp","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"} ], "claimDirectory": [ {"record_id":"MI-C-001","jurisdiction":"Detroit","report_first":"Yes — get a Service Request number","written_notice_deadline":"45 days after discovery","claim_recipient":"Detroit Water & Sewerage Dept.","form_available":"Online Notice of Claim","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated on current DWSD claim page","claim_source":"City of Detroit","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-002","jurisdiction":"Grand Rapids","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days after discovery","claim_recipient":"City of Grand Rapids Risk Management","form_available":"Online form","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"No — city states this expressly","claim_source":"City of Grand Rapids","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-003","jurisdiction":"Ann Arbor","report_first":"Report and document the event","written_notice_deadline":"45 days after discovery","claim_recipient":"City Risk Fund / City Clerk route","form_available":"Online or City Clerk","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Ann Arbor","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-004","jurisdiction":"Lansing","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"City Attorney","form_available":"City claim form","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Lansing","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-005","jurisdiction":"Dearborn","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"Dearborn Department of Law","form_available":"Official form","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Dearborn","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-006","jurisdiction":"Livonia","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Sewer Division claim process","form_available":"By request (734-466-2635)","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Livonia","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-007","jurisdiction":"Troy","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City Attorney","form_available":"Published process","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Troy","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-008","jurisdiction":"Westland","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City of Westland (notice procedure)","form_available":"Notice instructions published","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Westland","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-009","jurisdiction":"Farmington Hills / Oakland Co. WRC","report_first":"Yes — identify the agency","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Appropriate agency; Oakland County WRC when it operates the system","form_available":"Online/print WRC form","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"No guarantee stated","claim_source":"Oakland County WRC","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-010","jurisdiction":"East Lansing","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City Finance / designated contact","form_available":"Published process","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of East Lansing","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-011","jurisdiction":"East Grand Rapids","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"City Finance","form_available":"By request (616-940-2110)","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of East Grand Rapids","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-012","jurisdiction":"Ionia","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City / Assistant Finance Director","form_available":"In the sewer-backup packet","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Ionia","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-013","jurisdiction":"Warren","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"Not located in reviewed materials","form_available":"Not located","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"(gap)","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-014","jurisdiction":"Royal Oak","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"Not located in reviewed materials","form_available":"Not located","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"(gap)","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-015","jurisdiction":"Traverse City","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"City Clerk","form_available":"Contact City Clerk (231-922-4480)","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Traverse City","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-016","jurisdiction":"Portage","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"Not located in reviewed materials","form_available":"Not located","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"(gap)","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-017","jurisdiction":"Ypsilanti (YCUA)","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"YCUA","form_available":"In the claim packet","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"YCUA","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-018","jurisdiction":"Mason","report_first":"Report promptly; document","written_notice_deadline":"45 days for sewer claims","claim_recipient":"City Clerk","form_available":"General claim forms","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"No","claim_source":"City of Mason","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-019","jurisdiction":"Genoa Twp. / GOSA","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Genoa-Oceola Sewer Authority","form_available":"Published procedure","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"No","claim_source":"GOSA","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-020","jurisdiction":"Fremont","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City Clerk / Finance Director","form_available":"Official packet","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Fremont","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-021","jurisdiction":"Ecorse","report_first":"Report promptly; document","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"City DPW","form_available":"In the packet","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Ecorse","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-022","jurisdiction":"Delta Township","report_first":"Report promptly; document","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Delta Township (claim form)","form_available":"By request","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"Delta Township","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-023","jurisdiction":"Grand Blanc Township","report_first":"Yes — contact the serving utility","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Appropriate utility/agency","form_available":"Provider-dependent","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"No","claim_source":"Grand Blanc Twp","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-024","jurisdiction":"Niles","report_first":"Yes — city crew contacted first","written_notice_deadline":"45 days (state law)","claim_recipient":"City of Niles (General Liability Claim)","form_available":"Published forms","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"City of Niles","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"}, {"record_id":"MI-C-025","jurisdiction":"Van Buren Township","report_first":"Yes","written_notice_deadline":"45 days","claim_recipient":"Van Buren Twp. Water Dept.","form_available":"Published procedure","does_filing_guarantee_payment":"Not stated","claim_source":"Van Buren Twp","verification_date":"2026-07-20","dataset_version":"1.0"} ] }