January 25, 2024 — The City of South Bend is asking for the public’s help in identifying the material of their water service line. Over 34,000 South Bend Municipal Utilities customers will receive postcards this week asking them to complete a quick survey identifying their service line material. Customers will need to locate where their water service line enters their home or business, typically in the basement or utility area. This is where customers will perform a scratch test and upload a photo for the survey.
The City is conducting this outreach to comply with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations requiring all public water utilities to identify and map their service lines by October 2024.
“Since we can’t visit every home, we are depending on our customers to assist us with this crucial project,” says Public Works Director Eric Horvath. “Knowing your service line material helps protect you from potential lead risks.”
South Bend customers can respond to the survey at southbendin.gov/serviceline or scan the QR code provided on the postcard. A video showing how to determine the material of your service line is also available in the survey link.
Here’s what customers need to do:
- Watch the video: Learn how to identify your service line material with our instructional video at southbendin.gov/serviceline.
- Locate your water service line where it enters your home or business: Typically in the basement or utility area, your service line will be near your water meter and/or water shut off valve. No plumbing experience needed.
- Take the five-minute survey: Complete the survey to identify your service line material at southbendin.gov/serviceline or scan the QR code on the postcard. If you need help with the survey or test, don’t hesitate to contact us at 311 or waterquality@southbendin.gov.
The City distributes clean, safe drinking water to homes every day that meets all state and federal water quality standards. Water is lead-free when it leaves the City’s treatment plants, but it is possible your service line and home plumbing fixtures can leach lead into your water, posing a potential health risk to you and your family.
A water service line is the pipe that carries water from the City’s water main in the street to your house or building. In the city of South Bend, the property owner owns the water service line from the water main to the house.
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