Virginia Easement

An easement and right of way for the purpose of installing, constructing, operating, maintaining, adding to or altering and replacing present or future water mains, including fire hydrants, valves, meters, building service connections and other appurtenant facilities, for the transmission and distribution of water, through, upon and across the property.

An easement gives one party the right to go onto another party's property. That property may be owned by a private person, a business entity, or a group of owners. Utilities often get easements that allow them to run pipes or phone lines beneath private property. Easements may be obtained for access to another property, called "access and egress", use of spring water, entry to make repairs on a fence or slide area, drive cattle across and other uses. The easement is a real property interest, but separate from the legal title of the owner of the underlying land.