The curb stop box is the property of the Water Utility. The Water Utility is responsible for its repair and maintenance. This includes maintaining, through adjustment, the curb stop box at an appropriate grade level where no direct action by the property owner or occupant has contributed to an elevation problem. The property owner is responsible for protecting the curb stop box from situations that could obstruct access to it or unduly expose it to harm. The Water Utility shall not be liable for failure to locate the curb stop box and shut off the water in case of a leak on the owner's premises.