Water Service Line Inventory
Service Line Inventory Project Completed With Community Support
Updated January 2025: Over the past year, the IVGID Public Works Department successfully completed a comprehensive inventory of water service lines, thanks to the invaluable participation of our community members and the dedicated efforts of our employees. This initiative was crucial in response to the revised Lead and Copper Rule mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which required all community water systems, including IVGID, to inventory their water service lines to determine material composition.
Our project began with a call for public assistance, inviting residents to check their private service lines and complete an online survey detailing their findings. For those who were unsure about the material of their pipes, our employees provided personalized support by visiting customers’ properties to identify the materials directly. This hands-on assistance was instrumental in ensuring everyone had the opportunity to participate, regardless of their knowledge of plumbing materials.
We are grateful to our residents for their engagement and to our employees for their commitment to serving the community. Together, we successfully gathered the necessary data and met federal submission requirements on time, reinforcing our mission to maintain a reliable and safe water system for all.
Thank you for your support in helping us comply with this important initiative!
We Need Your Help with the Water Service Line Inventory
IVGID Public Works Department needs your help to complete an inventory of all water service line pipes connected to the public water system.
Check your private water service line, then complete our online survey to tell us what you find, no matter what type of pipes you find!
Please complete our online Service Line Survey to inform us of the material used for the water service line coming into your property. It is the pipe connected to your water meter. If you are not sure of the material, use the Steps to Check Your Service Line below, then complete the survey.
Steps to Check Your Private Water Service Line
Materials Needed: Key or coin, strong magnet, phone or tablet (to take a picture)
- Find your private water service line. This can be in a basement, crawl space, or other exterior wall. (See diagram below)
- Use a key or coin to gently scratch the pipe like you would scratch a lottery ticket. If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
- Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks to the pipe.
- Determine your pipe material.
- Take a picture of the service line (incoming water service).
- Complete the SURVEY.
Private Water Service Line Diagram
Helpful tips to determine your pipe material
IF YOUR PIPE IS COPPER:
The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. The magnet won’t stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS PLASTIC OR PVC:
If the service line is blue, white or black, does not appear to be any of the other materials listed above, and a magnet will not stick to the surface, your service line is most likely plastic.
IF YOUR PIPE IS GALVANIZED STEEL:
The scratched area will remain a dull gray. If you have a galvanized steel pipe a magnet will stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS LEAD:
The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched. The magnet won’t stick.
Background & FAQs
On August 4, 2022, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Water Service Line Inventory, requiring all water systems in the USA to develop complete inventories of all water service lines within their jurisdiction and provide this information to the Nevada Department Of Environmental Protection.
Still, have Questions?
IVGID Public Works put together this list of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) . If you still have questions after reading the FAQ document, feel free to reach out via email at lsli@ivgid.org.
