The Martinsville Utilities and Water Resources Department wants to ensure the city’s drinking water is lead-free.
To that end, the department encourages homeowners and renters to inspect the pipe that brings drinking water into the home and then self-report their findings.
Water Resources will inspect every 120 miles of pipes throughout the city, but residents need help inspecting the materials used that connect the service line to a home and the home’s plumbing, a news release said.
The pipe through which the water enters the house connects the water meter and is usually located in the basement or closet of a house. Residents can self-report their results online at martinsville-va.gov/479/Pipe-Materials.
“If you want to know where your water enters your home, you can find the water on your property next to the road. A metal or plastic cover covers the meter. Normally the water flows directly from this meter to your home,” the online form states. “If you have a basement, look for the water pipe where it comes through the outside wall closest to the location of your meter. If you don’t have a basement, your water pipe runs into your house, where your water connection or washing machine is.”
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The online water supply material reporting form asks for the resident’s name, service address, and the material making up the water supply line at the point of entry.
Materials to choose from include blue, black or white plastic; copper, galvanized iron; lead; or indefinite.
The form allows the resident to upload a photo of the water supply line if desired.
Other questions on the form include the year the home was built; whether the water supply line was replaced and, if so, when the replacement occurred; as well as the residents’ telephone number and email address.
Initial testing shows no lead leaving the treatment facility, and the self-reporting requirement complies with Environmental Protection Agency lead and copper regulations and revisions.
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