We recently moved to our current residence. While gardening, I noticed wetness in my neighbor's yard. There is a puddle, about 10 inches wide that fills and then empties to wet mud.

I asked my neighbor if he knew about it. Here's what he said. "Oh, I know about that. The previous homeowners were building a fence there and must have punched through a water or sewer line." Then he went on to point out that our roofline wasn't up to code...

The puddle is right on the property line. There is no fence there, doesn't look as if there ever was a fence at all. I took a good sniff today and the water is definitely from a sewer line. Is it something that should be repaired right away? Is it my responsibility?

Call the town it is their responsibility to fix and the seage can get you sick

Im not going to speculate as to who is responsible, but is it dangerous, in a word yes.(based on your statement that it is definitely sewer). If it truly is sewer I can guarantee you that your health department will agree. It breeds bacteria and attracts bugs not to mention a less than pleasant aroma. I would have someone repair immediately. Keep us posted. GOOD LUCK, AC

Raw sewage is very hazordous. Contact your local health department. There is something commonly referred to as "grey water" that is the waste water from everything in the house except the toilets, that smells very bad. It is fairly common for grey water to be released into a ditch or off the backside of a hill in many rural areas where there are older houses. The grey water would be from, the kitchen, & bathroom sinks, the dishwasher, the washer machine and the bathtubs, and showers. This grey water is very strong and often very offensive smelling.