Lead and Copper Survey
Does Your Drinking Water Contain Lead?
Follow These Steps to Find Out:
Step 1
Locate Your Service Line
Step 2
Identify The Material
Step 3
Take A Picture
Step 4
Submit Your Survey
Why Take the Lead & Copper Survey?
The City of Rose Hill needs your help identifying possible locations of lead piping so it can be documented. You and your family’s health could be at risk (children under 6 years are most susceptible).
The goal of this survey is to identify and remove all lead pipes in the drinking water system. Some homes (typically built before 1988 in Kansas) may have lead service lines on the customer’s property that connect to the water system’s main lines. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is requiring all water suppliers to submit this information before October 16, 2024.
If the required information cannot be gathered from the homeowner, KDHE may require the water supplier to excavate private lines to identify them. That would be very time-consuming, expensive for the City, and could tear up your yard. Can you help us complete this requirement?
Locate Your Service Line
A service line is a small diameter pipe (typically 3/4 – 1 inch diameter) that provides water to your home or business. If you don’t already know where your service line is, the first step is to locate your water meter using the instructions below.
Water meters are usually located outside in your yard (near the street or sidewalk). The service line will enter your home or business in the closest location to the meter (basement, crawl space, front closet, etc.). Your service line should have a shutoff valve on the line to isolate the main water service line from your home or business’s plumbing.
The pipe material from the meter to the shutoff valve at the residence or business is the area we are primarily interested in. Our Utilities Department will identify pipe material from the street to the meter. If there are different materials on either side of the shutoff valve and you can’t find which pipe is coming from the street, enter the material found based on the severity starting with lead, galvanized, and copper. Note that your service line is not the pipe located under a sink.
Identify The Material
- Use a refrigerator magnet to perform the Magnet Test, explained below.
- Use a key or coin to perform the Scratch Test, explained below.
- Ensure your service line is clean and free of debris to get an accurate visual inspection and quality photo of the service line and shutoff valve.
Galvanized Steel Pipe
If a magnet sticks to the
pipe, it is galvanized steel.
A scratch test is not needed.
Lead Pipe
A magnet will not stick
to a lead pipe.
A scratch test is not needed.
Copper Pipe
A magnet will not stick
to a copper pipe.
A scratch test is not needed.
Take A Photo
*Pictures are recommended, but not required.
Take a photo of the shutoff valve, including the pipe on both sides of the valve. If your device has a camera, you’ll have the option of taking a photo while completing the survey. Otherwise, please take a photo before starting the survey and upload it before submitting the survey.
Submit Your Survey
Please click below to take the survey so we can begin the process of removing all lead pipes in our drinking water system (and protecting you and your family from potential health risks). If you have any lead or copper questions, please email or call the City at: LeadandCopper@cityofrosehill.com or (316) 776-2712.
Mailers will be sent out regarding this information as well. If you are ready to complete the information before receiving the mailer, please complete the Lead and Copper Survey here. Thank you for your participation!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What if I can't find my service line?
If you don’t own the building you’re in, please ask your landlord, “What material is the private service line that brings water into my house/building?” Licensed plumbers can also assist you in finding your shutoff valve and identifying the material of your service line. If you have other questions, please email us at LeadandCopper@cityofrosehill.com or call (316) 776-2712 for help.
-
Why Do I Need To Take This Survey?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced changes to drinking water regulations that require water suppliers to identify all materials used in the construction of the water system. The goal of these changes is to identify and remove all lead pipes in the drinking water system. 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 the water system’s main lines. The water supplier must identify all construction materials used on both the supplier’s AND the customer’s side of the water meter, which means that we will need your help!
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is requiring all water suppliers to submit this information before October 16, 2024. If the required information cannot be gathered from the homeowner, KDHE may require the water supplier to excavate private lines to identify them. That would be very time consuming and expensive. We need your help to complete this requirement. Please submit your survey here.
-
Can I take the survey another way?
Yes. Mailers will be sent out regarding this information as well. If you are ready to complete the information before receiving the mailer, please complete the Lead and Copper Survey. Thank you for your participation!