Wow... I don't want to wade in too deep here,.. but need to point out at least one thing that is important to know...

NEC requires earth ground to be bonded to all pipes, wires, etc., at the point of entry to a building. There would be a ground strap bonding the water, sewer, gas, electric, etc. Everything must be bonded together to avoid the scenarios described in a few posts here.

There was very likely a problem in the home to begin with.

If water and sewer were not bonded together (along with the power) it would make for a VERY dangerous situation, regardless of downed lines.