EPA Water Line Inventory
Q: Does the letter I received mean I have lead in my water or in my pipes?
A: This is not a notice of lead in the water. This letter purely states that lead could be introduced into the water if there is any lead in your service line coupled. The Town is now aware of any lead service lines.
Q: Why are you trying to figure out what type of service line my house has?
A: The national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wyoming’s Department of Water Quality (WYDEQ) have mandated a nationwide inventory of pipes. We are only collecting data on service line materials from the curb stop, or underground shutoff valve, to the meter or entrance to the home. Letters are being sent to residences where the Town has no record of the what type of service line there is, which we will update in our inventory, and share with the DEQ and the EPA.
Q: What are most water pipes in Town made of?
A: Most water pipes in Town are either copper (reddish brown, dark brown to almost black, or sometimes greenish, but gold/copper colored when scratched with a knife or screwdriver); Poly (solid black or blue) plastic with smooth appearance and feel); or galvanized (dull gray/silver when new or rusted with scale when older, very hard to scratch, magnetic, has threaded joints, and most common in houses built prior to 1980.)
Q: I cannot determine the material of the line or do not know where it is located. What should I do?
A: If you can’t determine what material your pipes are made-of, or don’t know where their water line comes into the house, you can schedule an appointment and have a staff member from the Town’s water division come and verify in person. Town staff may also replace the water meter if it is due for replacement. Please contact Cory or Jason @ 307-733-3932 ext. 1440.
Q: Can I get my water tested for lead?
A: If your water lines are poly or copper, you do not need to worry about testing. If your water lines are galvanized and you want piece of mind, you can contact a listed, certified testing facilities in the letter and have it tested, at your own expense. Contact David Lee at the Teton Conservation District 307-733-2110 ext. 3 or the EPA for testing kits.
Questions?
Contact Dan Stewart, Water Utility Manager at 307-733-3079 ext. 1430 or dstewart@jacksonwy.gov.