FAQs • Durham, NC • CivicEngage

Before I dig on my property how do I get my utilities located or marked?: Contact NCOCC (North Carolina One Call Center) at 811 and they will guide you through the process. The city maintains all water and sewer in the public right of way only which includes laterals to your water meter and sanitary sewer clean-out. You will have to contact a private locator to have these lines marked on your property as they are considered private and not maintained by the city.

Any digging in the public right of way will require a permit and that can be obtained by contacting the Engineering Division of Public Works at 919-560-4326.

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Water or Sewer

Online using our Payment Portal.
Over the phone: dial Durham One Call at 919-560-1200 (press option 1).
In person with cash only: on the 1st floor of City Hall (101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, North Carolina, 27701).

2. How do I get permission to tap into water or sewer?: Visit Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at 919-560-4326.

3. How do I find out if water and sewer is available at/near my property, and/or how do I get the line extended?: Contact Public Works Water and Sewer Engineering Services 919-560-4326.

4. How do I request new water or sewer lines be installed at my property?: Contact the Engineering Services workgroup at 919-560-4326.

5. Before I dig on my property how do I get my utilities located or marked?: Contact NCOCC (North Carolina One Call Center) at 811 and they will guide you through the process. The city maintains all water and sewer in the public right of way only which includes laterals to your water meter and sanitary sewer clean-out. You will have to contact a private locator to have these lines marked on your property as they are considered private and not maintained by the city.

Any digging in the public right of way will require a permit and that can be obtained by contacting the Engineering Division of Public Works at 919-560-4326.

6. How do I inquire about a Pending Assessment?: Pending assessments are associated with various assessable improvements (water, sewer, street, sidewalk) that have been ordered by City Council, but have not yet been assessed. Complete a Pending Assessment Inquiry Form and fax it to Engineering Services at 919-560-4316. Once the form is received, we will identify any pending assessment information and return the form to you within 2 business days. Download a Pending Assessment Inquiry Form (PDF).

7. How do I inquire about Confirmed Assessments?: You may obtain information concerning confirmed assessments on the assessment listings in the Finance Department. Additional information on confirmed assessments may be obtained by contacting the Collections Division at 919-560-4700. Learn more about Confirmed Assessment.