The Liability of Water Supply Companies for “leaky” Water Service Laterals

Abstract

In recent times, Central Europe has repeatedly and more frequently been facing heavy rains. These rainfalls are accompanied by floods, which have been particularly severe in the last couple of years and led to considerable damage as a matter of course. Apart from “direct” flood damage that is caused by water pushing through windows or doors, it is often the case that water also penetrates between the brickwork and (gas/power/water) service lines. This paper will shed light on whether and to what extent potential claims against supply companies may be raised in such cases.