Sprung a leak

i'm sure this all got put in under "easements" whatever that means, before i bought the place
Yes, it is a 'utility easement'. Very common, almost universal, in developments. Covers water, sewer, electric, telco etc., work on the edges of your property. Had the whole front edge of our yard near Ft Wayne dug up for something.. perfectly legal. Might even go across a property in a few situations. It's all recorded in the deeds and plats.

Doesn't make the sidewalk over the shut-off any smarter LOL