Water line protection mailers causing confusion - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Water line protection mailers causing confusion

Posted: Updated:
ALPHARETTA, Ga. -

Mailers that have been going out to metro Atlanta residents have caused some real confusion.  The letters offer a low-cost water line protection service, but the problem is that a lot of people think the company's offer is affiliated with or even endorsed by local governments.

In Alpharetta, there were enough calls to city hall that officials there felt like they needed to clarify that they are not associated with this water line protection company.

The letter comes from a company called American Water Resources.  For a monthly fee, it offers a service to cover the repair of broken or damaged water pipes. The company reminds homeowners that they are responsible for the maintenance of the water line from the curb to the house.  

Alpharetta officials say in their letter, it sites the local government's code on that.   And that, according to city officials, is where folks got confused.   So, to make it clear, the two are not associated.  On their website, the city of Alpharetta posted a statement clarifying that the city has nothing to do with this company, and does not endorse it.

That led the FOX 5 I-Team to wonder whether it is worth paying for the service.  America Water Resources says they'll cover repairs up to $5,000 for about $60 a year.  But you really need to figure out what is not covered before you decide.  

In this case, there are 27 exemptions.  The plan does not cover repairing clogs or blockages.  The plan won't cover natural disasters like floods.  And it also won't cover problems with defective blue polybutylene pipe, more commonly known as blue poly.  A local water line repair company says that blue pipe repair is about 50 percent of their repair business.

The I-Team's Dana Fowle talked to American Water Resources, and although they don't cover blue poly because its been part of a national recall, they say they will refund all of your annual fees toward the repair cost.  They also have an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.  

If you would like to know more about their program, the company provided a press release which you can see if you click here.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.  
  • Monday, May 20 2013 8:26 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:26:58 GMT
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. 
    When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.  But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Monday, May 20!
  • Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
    The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.  TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Powered by WorldNow

KDFW FOX 4
400 N. Griffin Street
Dallas, Texas 75202

Main Station Directory:
(214) 720-4444
News Fax:
(214) 720-3263 or (214) 720-3333

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices