A service line inventory is an EPA-mandated requirement for every water system to compile a list of all service line materials going from the water main into the building. Each community is responsible for collecting this data by way of historical record analysis and visual inspection of the service line.

Your service line is typically located near your water meter or main shut-off valve. The water main is often found in your basement, utility room, crawl space, or garage.

Watch this video for more information on how to locate your line.

There are various at home tests you can complete to assist with determining your material type. Your
service line is likely made of either copper, galvanized steel, plastic, or lead. Plastic pipes are often black, white, or blue and easily recognizable. You can grab a magnet and if it sticks to the pipe, it is likely galvanized steel as lead and copper are not magnetic. Another option is to complete a “scratch test” with a screwdriver and create a small scratch on the service line. If the scratch is shiny and copper in color, your line is made of copper. If it scratches easily and the scratch is shiny and silver, your line is likely made of lead.

The EPA has released guidance on the nationwide initiative, which can be found on their website here. Your local water utility likely has more information on their website as well. If you run into issues finding more information, call your local water utility to learn more.

You were sent a survey to help verify the material type of the service line coming into the basement, utility room, or crawl space of your home or business so that the water system can compile an inventory of all service line materials within the distribution community.

That is ok! Your water utility can use other methods and tests to investigate what your service line is made of. Your system will be in contact regarding your options.

Contact your local water utility and/or state agency to see what type of lead service line replacement programs or remediation options are available in your community.

Many water systems will be required to publish their service line inventory online. Check your water utility’s website first for results. Many water utilities will have a map based view where you can search by your physical address. If nothing is found online, contact your local water utility.

Your water system has may have partnered with a provider, such as 120Water, to provide sampling kits for the purposes of testing lead. Check out your water system’s website to find more information on how to obtain a kit. Kits can also be found at big box home improvement stores such as Lowes for a cost. You may also purchase a water testing kit directly from 120Water at: https://120water.com/residential-testing/.

Yes! Each state has received funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill for the sole purpose of replacing lead service lines. States also have revolving funds that can be tapped into in certain circumstances. Contact your local water system to learn more.

Potential Lead and/or Copper in your home drinking water can harm the development of small children and fetuses. It’s important for your water system to track any sensitive populations in order to best protect public health.

You can find your water utility contact information on a recent water bill, or by old fashioned Google search.

Instructions for Sample Collection:

Step One: Complete Section 1 of the enclosed Chain of Custody.

Step Two: Log into your 120Water account on your phone, tablet or computer and navigate to your Sampling Event.

Step Three: Collect your samples.
Using the sample bottles included in this kit, collect your samples. Please ensure that each sample bottle is filled to the top and properly sealed before placing it back in the box.
As you collect your samples, use 120Water to capture relevant sample information, including who collected the sample, the date and time the sample was collected, and the date and time the water was last used.
Once you have collected all samples, change the status of your Sampling Event to “Samples Collected.”

Step Four: Ship your samples to the lab for analysis.
Place your completed & signed Chain of Custody in the box.
Tape up your box and attach the included shipping label to the outside.
Drop your box off at your nearest USPS office as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that you collect your samples and ship them back within 10 days.
IMPORTANT: Collect samples after the water in your facility has been sitting unused for at least 8 hours but not more than 18 hours.

Here is a video going over how to collect samples. If you have any questions or issues while collecting your samples, please email support@120water.com or call (800) 674-7961.

We recommend collecting your samples first thing in the morning before children and staff arrive. Do not collect samples on a Sunday or Monday morning as the water will likely have sat unused for longer than 18 hours.