Your Water Utility
Maple Shade Utilities has a significant responsibility to produce and distribute potable drinking water to the customers in Maple Shade Township and does so under NJDEP and EPA regulations. The work requires significant investments in operating and maintenance costs and capital project upgrades. The Township of Maple Shade has taken these responsibilities seriously and appropriates funding to ensure the system is continually being improved. However, as a Maple Shade Utility customer, you have some responsibilities as well. Some of the items that are needed to provide you water are actually owned by you! You can learn more about the system components and responsibilities below.
Water Mains
53 miles of utility-owned water mains carry water from two groundwater treatment facilities located in Maple Shade Township. These plants treat groundwater from several source wells then distribute the water to your property.
A corporation stop is a stopcock controlling the flow of water from the water main to an individual customer. It is located where the service lateral is tapped into the main, so it is usually not accessible without digging up the street. This is owned by the Maple Shade Utility but the remaining service connection to the customer is the responsibility of the customer.
Corporation Stop
Service Line
These are pipes that go from the water main to your building/home. The utility owns the water mains and the corporation stop. Per Maple Shade Township ordinance, the line from the curb stop through the street line or property line to the building/home, including the curb stop and curb stop box, is owned by the customer (with the exception of the meter). This customer-owned portion of the distribution system should be understood so that it can be properly maintained and replaced, if and when required.
Curb Stop
The customer-owned valve that controls the flow of water to your building.
Curb Stop Box or Service Box
A customer-owned cylindrical iron box with a cover, at the property line, that provides access to the water main through the corporation stop and the customer-owned curb stop.
Inside Valve
A customer-owned valve that controls the flow of all water coming into the premises. Usually located right before the water meter.
Backflow Preventor
A customer-owned mechanism that prevents the backflow of contaminants into the public water supply.
Water Meter
A meter that records how much water you use and is usually located inside the building. Although it is utility owned, the customer is responsible for any damages (freezing, vandalism, external causes, etc.) and may be charged for repairs or replacement.
Remote Meter Reading Sensor
Permits meter reading without entering the premises. This is owned by the utility.
Fire Hydrant
Provides water for fire fighting. Utility owned.