In recent days area residents have reported receiving a notice from American Water Resources of North Carolina, a private company located in New Jersey.
The postcard notification, which looks similar to a bill and requests a response, addresses customers’ potential expenses for broken or defective water and sewer lines on their property. The notice also offers a Water Line Protection program that addresses such line failures for a monthly fee.
The mailings are worded in such a way as to imply collaboration between the company and the Town of Wake Forest and/or the City of Raleigh which owns and operates the town’s water and wastewater systems.
Wake Forest and Raleigh officials advise residents that these solicitations are not endorsed, nor are the companies contracted by the town or the city to offer water or sewer service line insurance coverage or water line protection.
Although City of Raleigh water and sewer customers are generally responsible for water line repairs on their side of their water meters and for broken sewer lines on their property, city officials cannot certify that the program offered is legitimate or of benefit to its customers.
Area residents are urged to review their current homeowner’s insurance policy to verify if and to what extent these types of repairs are covered and make decisions as personally warranted.
Area residents are also advised to check with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer protection organizations and agencies before contracting with any unknown company.
Anyone with questions or concerns pertaining to this matter is encouraged to contact the City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department at 919-996-4540.
Area residents may also obtain useful information by contacting the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General at 1-877-566-7226.
