There are two ways to complete this survey: read the information below and submit the survey online, or download the survey, fill it out, and send it in.
Water Service Line Survey
To comply with EPA regulations, public water systems are required to complete an inventory of service lines, and this survey plays a vital role in helping your public water system fulfill this obligation effectively. The following information will help you determine where your water service line is and what material the line is made of.
Find Your Water Service Line
Before completing the survey, you need to determine where the water service line is and how it connects to your home. If you need help finding your service line, call us at 509-536-0121.
Outside Meter or Curb Stop
To locate where the water service line enters your home, look for a water meter or curb stop valve. These are usually found at the front of your property near the street or sidewalk and are ground-level boxes labeled “water” or “meter.” Once you find them, follow the shortest path to your home. The water service line should enter the building through the floor or foundation wall in this general area.
Test the Pipe Material
Once you’ve found where the water service line enters your home, look for a spot on the pipe closest to the wall or floor before it connects to a valve or meter. At this spot, you can test the material the pipe is made of.
Testing Tools
Use the following tools to determine the type of pipe material the water service line is made of.
- Refrigerator magnet: use to test if the pipe is made of steel or iron.
- Coin or key: use to scratch the pipe to reveal the metal’s color and texture.
- Flashlight or mobile phone: use the light to see the pipe clearly.
Identify Your Pipe Material
- Plastic: This pipe comes in different materials and colors. If you tap it with a coin, it does not make a ringing sound.
- Copper: When scratched, the pipe appears orange and shiny like a penny. A magnet will not stick to it.
- Galvanized steel or iron: The pipe appears silvery gray, is difficult to scratch, and a magnet sticks to it.
- Lead: The pipe is silvery gray, is easily scratched, the metal seems soft, and a magnet does not stick to it.