Big Sky Times

Pursuant to the EPAs forthcoming Lead And Copper Rule Revision, the City is required to identify and inventory the locations of lead, non-lead, galvanized, and unknown water service lines within the City limits. The City is making a diligent effort to compose an accurate water service line inventory by October 16, 2024, by utilizing existing asset management software researching city records, and in public outreach and citizen engagement.  The City maintains records of every "tap" made to a water main since 1937. When a tap is made to a water main, this is the point in time when a water service line is installed. The City also maintains records of every "re-tap" made to a water main; a re-tap is a replacement of a water service line at the same location or serving the same lot as the original tap.

The city can show that all new water service lines installed after 1970 and all water service lines fully replaced after 1980 are Non-Lead.  Therefore, about 10,000 water services in the City installed or replaced prior to these dates are of unknown material type and have the potential of being Lead or Galvanized.

In July of 2022, the City of Great Falls delivered letters to these 10,000 homes and businesses addressed to the current resident.  The letters provided information in regards to the  EPA's Lead & Copper Rule Revision, and requested that current residents participate in identifying their water service line material type and then return that information to the City by November 18th, 2022.  The letters provided instructions on how to visually identify the water service line material at the point where it enters the building, typically just upstream of the water meter.

The test instructions below provide information on how to perform the visual identification test and return that information to the city by one of the means stated on the test form.

Those who received a letter and do not respond to the City's efforts will have their water service material types identified as "Unknown."  The EPA requires that all services with "Unknown" material types be mailed a letter every year starting in 2025 that provides a statement about service line material, lead health effects, steps to minimize lead exposure in drinking water, and an opportunity to verify the material of the service line.  More information can be obtained by reviewing the supporting documents at the bottom of the page or by calling the City's Water Service Inventory Hotline at (406) 455-8401, or email waterserviceline@greatfallsmt.net.

Test Instructions and Example

Items Needed:

1. Flathead screwdriver, copper penny, or similar metal tool

2. Magnet

First, locate the water service line coming into the building. You will typically find it located in the basement, mechanical room, or in a wall panel. A water meter is installed on the water service line pipe after the point of entry into the building, see the example pictures below for additional information.

Identify a test area on the pipe on the upstream or street side of the meter, which is between the point where it comes into your building and the water meter. If the pipe is covered or wrapped, peel back the cover to expose a small area of the pipe, about 6-inches, to clearly see the color of the pipe.

Using the edge of a screwdriver, penny, or other similar tool, scratch or scrape through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe so that the color of the pipe can clearly be seen. Then use the magnet and the color of the pipe to identify the material of the water service line from the following criteria:

• If the scratched area is shiny and silver-gray, your service line is lead. A strong magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
• If the scratched area remains a dull silver-gray, and a strong magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is galvanized.
• If the scratched area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper. A strong magnet will not stick to copper.
• The service pipe may be plastic and plastic pipes may vary in color. Plastic pipes are rigid, non-metallic, and may have information regarding the characteristics of the plastic printed on the side of the pipe.
• If the scratched area is brass in color, or dark reddish brown to a light silvery yellow in color, your service line is brass. A strong magnet will not stick to brass.

If you are uncertain, please 1) take a photo of the water service line coming into the building and return it with the test form or 2)indicate that you would like to schedule an inspection with a representative from the Public Works Department. 

If you are unable to perform the test or have more questions, please contact the telephone hotline at the Public Works Engineering Office (406)455-8401.

Original source can be found here.