# Honolulu: Who Pays for the Water Service Line? | Who Pays the Repair?

> Honolulu Board of Water Supply rules make the consumer responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes on the consumer's side of the meter.

**Who pays:** shared

In Honolulu, the consumer maintains the pipes on the consumer's side of the meter; the service lateral runs from the main through the meter box and shut-off valve.

**Boundary:** The Board of Water Supply defines the service lateral as running from the main to, and including, the meter box and consumer's shut-off valve; the consumer is responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter.

## Sources
- [Rules & Regulations, Chapter II (Control and Maintenance)](https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/about-us/rules-and-regulations/chapter-ii) — "The consumer has sole control of the water delivered through the meter and will be responsible for maintenance and repairs to pipes and fixtures on the consumer's side of the meter." (accessed 2026-10-12)
- [Rules & Regulations: Definitions](https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/about-us/rules-and-regulations/definitions) — "SERVICE LATERAL " shall mean the main tap, pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances from the main to, and including, the meter box and consumer's shut-off valve." (accessed 2026-10-12)
- [Rules & Regulations, Chapter II (Consumer's Supply Pipe)](https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/about-us/rules-and-regulations/chapter-ii) — "The consumer shall install and connect at his expense his supply pipe to the shut-off valve or outlet installed by the Department." (accessed 2026-10-12)
- [Leak Detection (BWS water meter box)](https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/conservation/conservation-tips/leak-detection/) — "The water meter box is owned and maintained by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and is located on street side near your property and usually under a metal cover." (accessed 2026-10-12)

_Last verified 2026-10-12. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/honolulu-hi-water-service-line/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._