Water Service Line & Meter Confirmation Survey

Did you know that lead components may make up a portion of the water service line supplying water to your home? The City of East Lansing is looking to identify the location of lead components within the water system. If left undisturbed, lead components pose no safety risk. However, identifying the locations of all lead components in the water system is critical.

Location assessments will guide the City’s construction efforts as the removal of all lead components from the water system is prioritized. Location assessments will also assist the City of East Lansing with updating its water meter records in an effort to better plan for future meter replacement.

Location assessments are free and can either be self-reported through the online survey (link below) or by scheduling an appointment with an the East Lansing Department of Public Works staff member. To schedule an appointment, call (517) 337-9459.

Prior to Taking the Online Survey

Prior to completing the ONLINE SURVEY, property owners are asked to follow a few simple steps:

Step 1 (Optional)
Take a picture of the water service where it enters the home (inside) through the wall or floor. If both the water service pipe and the meter are clearly visible, then one picture will suffice. If they are not both clearly visible, then take a separate picture of each.

Step 2
Identify the type of pipe coming into the home/business through the wall or floor as either plastic, copper, galvanized steel or lead.

If unable to visually determine the material type, hold a magnet against the pipe. If the magnet sticks to the pipe, the material is galvanized steel and this step is completed. If the magnet does not stick and the pipe appears to be in good condition, gently scrape the pipe with a screwdriver or utility knife and use the characteristics below to help determine the material type. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the pipe entering the floor or wall is corroded or in otherwise poor condition, only perform the magnet test.

Pipe Material Identifying Characteristics:

1.) A plastic pipe should be easy to identify, can be many different colors and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

2.) Scraping a copper pipe will reveal a shiny “new penny” color and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

3.) Scraping a galvanized steel pipe will reveal a silver/white color and the pipe will attract a magnet.

4.) Scraping a lead pipe will reveal a silver/white color and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

Background Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering new regulations that could require the removal of all lead components from water distribution systems across the country. In an effort to be proactive about the potential changes to federal regulations, the City is seeking to create an inventory of the type of pipe material used in water lines servicing East Lansing properties. Property owners with a galvanized pipe may have a lead gooseneck connecting their pipes to the City water main. If the EPA’s regulations were to change, it may be required for the City to replace the gooseneck and the resident to replace the pipe entering their home or business. View Utility Service Graphic (PDF).