Numbers below were checked against each agency's own website on November 11, 2026. Agencies change numbers occasionally, so the source link is next to each one. For fire, a gas smell or anyone in danger, call 911.
Utility or homeowner: who handles it?
- Your utility: breaks in the street or sidewalk, water bubbling up near the meter, no water to the whole street, sewage from a manhole, a blocked public sewer main.
- You (a plumber plus a restoration provider): leaks inside the house, a burst pipe in a wall, a failed water heater, and in most cities the sewer lateral from your house to the main.
Water and sewer emergency lines
| Utility | Area | Published number |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City Dept. of Public Utilities | Salt Lake City, plus water service in parts of Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights and South Salt Lake | 24-hour dispatch (801) 483-6700; customer service (801) 483-6900 (source) |
| West Jordan Water | West Jordan | After-hours emergency (801) 330-4528 (source) |
| South Jordan Water | South Jordan | Emergency (801) 840-4000; after hours also police non-emergency (801) 446-4357, option 4 (source) |
| Murray City Water Division | Murray City water service area | Emergency (801) 264-9669 (source) |
| Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District | Most of Taylorsville | After-hours emergency (801) 968-9081 (source) |
| Granger-Hunter Improvement District | Much of West Valley City | Main line (801) 968-3551 (source) |
Sandy, Draper (Draper City or WaterPro), Herriman, Riverton, Midvale and Magna (Magna Water District) each have their own providers. Your water bill shows the provider and its emergency number.
Permits for repairs
- Magna, Kearns, White City, Emigration Canyon, Copperton, Brighton and unincorporated Salt Lake County: Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District Building Services, (385) 910-7138. Its list of work that needs a permit includes finishing basements and replacing a water heater (source, permit list).
- Cities such as Salt Lake City, Sandy and West Jordan issue their own building permits.
- Contractor licenses: verify any Utah contractor with the Division of Professional Licensing license lookup, or call DOPL at (801) 530-6628 (source).
Inside the house: what to do
Shut off the main valve, turn off power to wet areas if it's safe, document the damage, then call a plumber to fix the source and a restoration provider to dry the house. (866) 405-0175 connects you with an independent restoration provider who serves your part of Salt Lake County.
Questions
Who fixes a leak between the meter and my house?
In most cities the service line on your side of the meter is the property owner's responsibility. Call your utility if you're unsure where the leak is; they can tell you whether it's on their side.
What if I can't find my main shutoff?
Many utilities can shut water off at the meter in an emergency. Call your provider's emergency line. Afterward, have a plumber show you where your main valve is and make sure it turns.
Is a sewer backup the city's fault?
Only if the public main is blocked. Backups caused by a blockage in your own lateral are usually the owner's responsibility. Your utility can tell you if there's a problem in the main.
Sources are linked in the text. This guide is general information, not engineering, insurance or legal advice. Last reviewed November 11, 2026.
