Identify water and wastewater separately

A property’s drinking-water and wastewater arrangements are not necessarily the same. Start with the current bills, community documents and visible equipment, then confirm responsibility with the relevant provider. FGUA lists a North Fort Myers system among its Lee County operations; that does not mean every address is served by FGUA.

Use the county resident lookup as another starting point. For a private well, collect available equipment and test records rather than relying on a public-system report.

Where responsibility changes

In a managed or shared community, ask who owns the affected line, meter, lift equipment or treatment component. Confirm whether the owner, association, community manager or utility needs to authorize work.

A plumber should know what part of the system the requested work covers. Keep that boundary in the estimate, especially when a problem could involve a private line and a downstream receiving system.

Prepare access for the actual home

Describe gates, crawlspace restrictions, exterior equipment and any community access requirements. If the home has a particular construction type, explain it to the office without assuming the same access conditions apply throughout the neighborhood.

Photographs of labels and accessible conditions can help plan a visit. Do not enter a hazardous crawlspace, open electrical covers or disturb contaminated water to obtain them.

A useful new-owner handover

  • Water and wastewater provider or system type.
  • Who is responsible for shared infrastructure.
  • Well, pump, pressure tank and treatment model records, where applicable.
  • Latest appropriate water-test results.
  • Prior sewer footage or recurring-backup history.
  • Permit and inspection records for recent work.

Common questions

Do not assume that. Verify the provider using the property’s account and current service information.

That depends on ownership and responsibility for the affected equipment or line. Confirm with the owner or community management before authorizing shared-system work.

Sources & further reading

Primary references for this guide. Confirm current requirements and notices with the responsible authority.

How we prepare these guides

General information helps you prepare. Actual conditions, equipment instructions and the responsible authority determine the work at your property.