When a public access for water, sewer or access crosses private property, the property owner grants the right to operate and maintain the facility, and this right to use the private property is termed an “easement.” The property owner continues to own the land and has only given up defined rights on the portion of land used for the easement. Maintenance of the property within the easement is the responsibility of the property owner. The property owner continues to use the surface of the land but may not erect a structure in the easement.
