Water Company Insurance for line breaks

[Laura Schumacher]

We have 7 properties. Historically we have had tenants put all utilities in their own name. We have recently encountered a problem with the Louisville Water Co.  They have done some work on a street one of our properties is on.  The water bill for that property has now gone from $50 to $400.  The tenant of course does not intend to pay that.  The water company offers insurance for anything out side the house to the road, but it can only be purchased on the residential water bill.  That would mean my tenants would have to buy and pay for it and do all the leg work in the event of a line break, like we are currently experiencing.  

My question is, has anyone had a similar issue? Going forward, would you keep the water utility in the LLC name and charge the tenant for water in the rent fee?

I have had two plumbers out to the property.  There isnt a leak in the house.  Water company is taking their sweet time getting out there to inspect, and unless I can prove they broke the line with their work, I suspect they will try to stick me or my tenant with the bill. Which will ultimately be me because I cannot let a tenant take that on...

Regards,

Laura