Lead Service Line Survey

The City of Colby Water Department completed an inventory of all water service line pipes connected to the public water system.

The USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), are requiring all Public Water Supply systems to conduct a Lead Service Line Inventory for both publicly and privately owned water services. This inventory was submitted to the KDHE by October 16, 2024. The survey asked for assistance in answering questions to help our water department identify the pipes in your home.

The survey was provided online and by paper. Information regarding this survey were sent in customer utility bills for April 2024. For questions regarding this survey, contact Kevin Puckett, Water/Wastewater Director, at Public Works 785-460-4420.

The goal is to remove all lead-containing service lines to your home as piping containing lead can become a potential health risk in drinking water. Some homes (typically built before 1988 in Kansas) may have lead service lines on the customer's property that connect to your water system's main lines.

Additional information on Lead and Copper Rule and identifying lead pipes and plumbing can be found on the KDHE or EPA websites.

https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/547/Lead-Copper-Rule

https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/409/Public-Water-Supply

https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR PIPES:

Click here for a video for Steps to Check Your Service

Pipe identification -

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Dull silver-gray color
Strong magnet will typically cling to pipe
Is NOT easily scratched with a coin
Rigid
Pipe will have threads at connections

Lead Pipes

Dull silver-gray color
Strong magnet will NOT cling to pipe
Is easily scratched with a coin
Softer than steel or copper, can have bulbs or slight bends
Pipe will not have threads at connections

PVC Pipes

White, gray, yellow or off-white in color
Writing on pipe saying "PVC" or "CPVC"
Plastic feel
Rigid

HDPE Pipes

Typically black in color
Writing on pipe saying "HDPE"
Plastic feel
Rigid

Copper Pipes

Copper in color (like a penny)
Strong magnet will NOT cling to pipe
Rigid

PEX

Blue, Red, White, Grey or Clear in color
Writing on pipe saying "PEXa" "PEXb" "PEXc" or "PEX"
Flexible, able to makes some turns without fittings

Frequently Asked Questions

All or part of my service lines have been replaced, do I need to complete this survey?

While it may seem that newer materials would exclude your participation, we ask that you please provide us with information about the updates to ensure our inventory report to the KDHE and EPA is consistent and thorough.

I'm a renter; do I complete the survey or my landlord?

Identifying the pipes inside your home will not require maintenance to the property, therefore you are welcome to complete the survey as a renter. If you are unsure, you may certainly communicate with your landlord to receive their assistance. We simply ask that the survey regarding your home be submitted to us as thoroughly as possible.

Is the public water supplier responsible for replacing the privately owned part of the service line?

The City of Colby is not responsible for replacing the privately owned service line. The property or homeowner will have the freedom to make their decisions on what actions to take regarding those service lines.

Where is the physical boundary between the publicly owned and the privately owned section of the service line?

The transition between the public and private components is at the water meter.

Is visual confirmation required for all service lines?

Dependable records can verify lead service lines or verify that the line is not lead. In the absence of documentation, a visual confirmation will then be needed.

What is premise plumbing?

Premise plumbing is the pipes inside a home that convey water to usage points, such as kitchens, bathrooms, sinks, laundry, etc.

What is the point at which it switches from a service line to premise plumbing?

The point at which it switches from a service line coming into the residence and premise plumbing going throughout the residence is the shut-off valve immediately after the service line enters the structure. Often in basements or crawl spaces, just inside an exterior wall and usually an outer wall toward the street side of the house.

What happens if I don't complete the survey and submit answers to the City?

The City of Colby will make multiple attempts to contact you regarding the water service lines if you do not complete the survey.

Does the City have the authority to enter homes to verify a customer-owned service line?

The City of Colby needs to have the authority to access your home with permission from the resident. If you need assistance determining the type of pipes you have, our Water Dept staff will be happy to assist you. Contact Public Works at 785-460-4420.