Water Service Line & Metering Policies

Overview

Under PSC Chapter 185 §37(2)(b) and City of La Crosse Water Utility policies:

  • Only one water service connection (meter) is allowed downstream of the utility shut-off valve (curb box).

This ensures the utility can:

  • Manage accounts.
  • Shut off service if needed for safety or public health.
  • Allow plumbers to safely maintain plumbing systems.

Important:

  • Water service cannot be split to supply another property or lot.
  • Each meter is treated as a separate account for billing purposes.

Secondary meters (water-only or sewer-only) are allowed on the same line.

Multi-Unit Properties

Property owners may choose to install individual meters for each unit, but must:

  • Install proper interior plumbing and meter setups.
  • Ensure each unit can be shut off independently without affecting others.

Service Configuration Options

Single Service Lateral (One Line from the Main)

Option 1: One Meter

  • One service line.
  • One meter for the entire property.
  • Billed to the property owner.

Option 2: Multiple Meters on One Line

  • Allowed only if each meter can be shut off independently.
  • Requires:
    • A utility/meter room.
    • 24/7 access for utility staff.
    • Ability to lock or seal individual valves.

Split Service for Duplexes (2-Units Only)

Option: Split Service Line with Separate Meters

  • One service line from the main that splits into two separate lines.
  • Each unit has its own curb box and its own meter.

Requirements:

  • Preferred:
    • Curb boxes located in the public right-of-way.
  • If located on private property:
    • Access easement is required.

Multiple Service Laterals

Option: Individual Service Lines from Main

Each unit has its own service line directly from the main.

  • Required for most multi-unit properties (except duplex options).
  • Service lines must:
    • Stay within property boundaries.
    • Not cross neighboring properties.

Common Setup Examples

Two Houses on One Parcel or a Duplex

Option 1

  • One service line.
  • One meter.
  • Billed to the owner.

Option 2

  • One service line split at the property line.
  • Two curb boxes.
  • Two meters.
  • Billed to owner or tenants.

Option 3

  • Two separate service lines.
  • Two meters.
  • Billed to owner or tenants.

Option 4

  • One service line.
  • Two meters installed in a shared utility room.
  • Utility room must be accessible 24/7.

Twindos (Each Side Treated as Single-Family)

  • 2 service lines (one per unit).
  • 2 meters (one per unit).
  • All infrastructure must remain within property boundaries.

3+ Unit Buildings

Option 1: Individual Service Lines

  • Each unit has its own service line and meter.

Option 2: Shared Line + Meter Room

  • One service line.
  • All meters must be located in a utility room accessible 24/7.

Option 3: Master Meter

  • One service line.
  • One master meter.
  • Billed to owner or condo association.

Condominiums

Condominiums may have alternative configurations, but:

  • Each unit must still be individually shut off.
  • The Condo Association must coordinate approval with the Water Utility.

Condominium Requirements

Must provide:

  • A Declaration of Condominium.
  • Condo bylaws.

These documents must confirm:

  • Utility access to infrastructure.
  • Responsibility for private mains, service lines, curb boxes, and related equipment.

Private Water Mains

Large properties may require a private water main.

Requirements:

  • An utility access easement must be recorded.
  • The owner is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
Back to top