CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

Customer First Name *

Customer Last Name *

Customer Account Number (Optional):

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

When was your home or business built? *

Before 1986

1986 of after

Unknown

Your water meter is typically found in the front yard, near the street or sidewalk. The water service line will be the pipe connected to the water meter that comes into your home from the street.

The water service line will enter your building in the closest location to the meter (basement, crawl space, front closet, etc.) and will be visible with a shutoff valve. It is typically located in a utility room on the lowest level of your home and may be accessible in a crawl space if your home has one.

For this effort, we are only interested in the service line material up to the shutoff valve, not beyond, and this is typically the first 18 inches of pipe coming through the floor or exposed in the crawl space. We do not need to know the material of the plumbing in your home or business. Note that usually your water service line is not the pipe located under your kitchen sink.

Were you able to locate your water service line? Refer to the instructions above for assistance. *

Yes

No

If yes, great! You may proceed with the identification process. Expand the “Example Photos” group to review representative images of the different types of service line materials.

If no, we are sorry that you were not able to locate your water service line. You may not submit the survey without identifying your material. If you locate your water service line in the future, please return to this page & complete the form.

Service Line Material Identification Process

Please review the different photos below to help determine the material.

Example of a Plastic Pipe: Plastic pipes are typically white, black, or blue with writing on the pipe.

Example of a Copper Pipe

Example of a Galvanized Pipe

Example of a Lead Pipe

Material Identification

Is the water service line entering the building plastic or metal? If you're unsure, go with your best guess and if you need to change your response you can do so. *

Plastic

Metal

If plastic, extensive research has not been conducted on the effects of plastic service lines on drinking water, but it is generally accepted as a good plumbing material and will not expose you to lead through your drinking water. Please take a photo and upload it at the end of this survey so that we have a record of your water service line material.

If metal, please proceed with the identification process.

What color is the water service pipe? *

Copper/orange like a penny. Your water service pipe is likely made of copper. While your water service line is not lead, it is possible that your plumbing may include lead fittings or lead solder, especially if your plumbing was installed prior to 1986. Please take a photo and upload at the end of this survey so that we have a record of your service line material.

Light green/patina (like the Statue of Liberty). Your water service pipe is likely made of copper. While your water service line is not lead, it is possible that your plumbing may include lead fittings or lead solder, especially if your plumbing was installed prior to 1986. Please take a photo and upload at the end of this survey so that we have a record of your service line material.

Silver/grey. Please proceed with the identification process using the scratch and magnet test.

Scratch Test

Use a key or coin to scratch the pipe close to where it enters the house through the wall or floor.

What best describes the results? *

Soft/easy to scratch and the scratched area has a shiny appearance: Please proceed with the magnet test.

Hard to scratch and the scratched area has a dull appearance: Please proceed with the magnet test.

Magnet Test

Apply a magnet (like a refrigerator magnet) to the water service pipe.

Does it stick? *

Yes. Your water service is likely made of galvanized steel or galvanized iron. These materials do not pose an inherent risk of exposing you to lead. Please take a photo and upload at the end of this survey so that we have a record of your service line material.

No. Your water service is likely made of lead. You may be exposed to lead in your drinking water. All drinking water utilities are required by the EPA to create records of all lead service lines and develop a plan to replace them. Please take a photo and upload at the end of this survey so that we have a record of your service line material. Utility staff will follow up to discuss options to remove the lead service line.

Photo Submission

By submitting a photo of your service pipe, your water service provider will be able to validate results of the survey. We may use the image you submit as an example of pipe material for educational purposes and/or lead and copper pipe study data uses. You will remain anonymous.

Water service pipe photo: Please take and upload a photo of where your water service pipe enters your building. Photo should include first 18 inches of service pipe as it enters the building and include the shut off valve within the shot, if possible.

Upload your photo here.

Do you consent to the Utility using your image? *

I consent

I do NOT consent

Optional Feedback

We would appreciate your feedback on your experience with the material identification process.

Was this process easy to understand? *

Additional Comments: *