Delay, string it out, and obfuscate.

We have a great system in Tucson for obtaining utility maps. I can download the sewer plans, City of Tucson and Metro Water will both e-mail me their valve maps the same day, and Southwest Gas will e-mail me their gas maps the next day. Great service, great cooperation.

Commercial survey in another town. Water company says no, we won't release our maps. We explain who we are and why we need the maps. No, can't for security reasons. Client's attorney sends a pointed letter and we get the map. The maps match the information on the ground showing the lines in the parking lot, so there is no reason to keep the old water easement that runs under the existing building. I prepare an abandonment legal description and sketch. Months go by. Client's attorney sends a pointed letter threatening a lawsuit. We get a response. They require the legal description and sketch to be on one sheet. I squeeze the information onto one sheet. Time goes by. They reject the legal description and sketch because it doesn't meet their standards. Client's attorney is about to explode.