Water Service Line Material Identification

All water utilities are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a water service line inventory that identifies materials used to construct and repair all service lines with the goal of replacing lead pipes. The Waterford Utility Commission (WUC) is requesting assistance from customers to identify the type of service line entering their homes. We have included steps to identify your service line material and submit this information to the WUC using our online survey, sending us an email, or mailing or dropping off the form on page 2 of this letter. 

STEP 1: IDENTIFICATION

A service line is the pipe used to connect a building to the water main in the street. The service line enters the building near the water meter which may be located in the basement, crawl space, garage, or an outside pit. Locate the pipe that enters the building near your water meter and refer to the photos of pipe materials below. If your pipe is metal, determine pipe material by sticking a magnet to it or gently scratching it with a key or coin (WUC suggests wearing gloves when performing a scratch test).

Four Types of Pipe Material

Copper Pipe

Copper Pipe

Plastic Pipe

Plastic Pipe

Galvanized Pipe

Galvanized Steel Pipe

Lead Pipe

Lead Pipe

Four Types of Material (see the example pictures above)

COPPER:

If the pipe is orange and a magnet won't stick to it, it is likely copper.

PLASTIC:

If the pipe is blue, white, or black and a magnet won't stick to it, it is likely plastic

GALVANIZED:

If the pipe is hard to scratch and a magnet sticks to it, it is likely galvanized steel.

LEAD:

If the pipe is easy to scratch and a magnet won't stick to it, it may be lead.

You can also use EPA’s Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead to help you determine if your service line is made of lead. This guide uses pictures and step-by-step directions to identify lead service lines and provides resources to learn more. Within the guide, choose Municipal Water and go to the section: “Find Your Water Line/Service Line.”  

STEP 2:

ONLINE SURVEY OPTION: SNAP A PICTURE OF YOUR SERVICE LINE AND UPLOAD TO OUR ONLINE SURVEY 

Please follow the instructions in Step 1 then click here to complete our online survey. The survey asks for your name, email address, phone number, street address, year your house was constructed, water service line installation date (if known), service line material, and how you verified your service line material. We also request that you upload a photo of your service line taken at the meter. 

E-MAIL OPTION: SNAP A PICTURE OF YOUR SERVICE LINE AND SEND US AN EMAIL

Please follow the instructions in Step 1 then send an e-mail to wuc@waterfordct.org. Please include your name, address, year your house was constructed, water service line installation date (if known), service line material, and a photo of your service line at the meter.

STEP 3:

MAIL-IN OPTION: PRINT AND COMPLETE THE FORM LINKED BELOW AND SEND IT IN THE MAIL OR DROP OFF AT OUR OFFICE 

If you choose not to use the online survey or e-mail submission options, please fill out this form and mail it to PO Box 310, Waterford, CT 06385 or drop if off at our office located at 1000 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385. 

If you completed the online or e-mail submission, you do not need to fill out and return the form. 

If you need assistance or would like the WUC to inspect the type of pipe in your home at no cost to you, please contact us at 860-444-5886 or wuc@waterfordct.org. 

Once we receive your submission, we will take the following actions: If you are unsure of your service line material, we will contact you directly. If you identified your service line as lead, we will provide you with information on how to replace the service line.

We look forward to your interest and participation in this program. Thank you for your important input for safe drinking water!