Lead Free SPRWS Program Steps
Before Replacement
Intent form
If you received a letter stating your property is eligible:
- Search for and click on your address in our service material map
- Select the "Submit an intent form" link in the pop-up that appears
- Complete and submit the intent form to express your interest in moving forward and ensure we have the right information to contact you throughout the process
Agreement Contract
Within a few weeks of submitting an intent form, we will reach out with a replacement agreement contract for you to sign. Sign and return it to us to continue in the replacement process.
Pre-construction Appointment
Once we have your signed agreement we will provide instructions for how to schedule a pre-construction appointment. This appointment will take place at your property and we will need access to the water meter in your basement. This brief appointment allows us to ensure no special considerations are needed to complete your replacement, and answer any questions you may have.
During Replacement
Digging
To get the pipes underground, crews will dig up 2-3 areas—one in the street, one in the boulevard, and possibly one in your front yard. We will minimize damage to landscaping and private property as best we can.
Replacement
The lead service line is replaced with a copper line. The new line is connected to the water main in the street at one end and your house plumbing at the other.
New Line Testing
Lead Free SPRWS staff test the new line and run water through it to flush out debris and lead particles.
Temporary Restoration
Holes in the yard and street are temporarily (not permanently) restored for safety, giving the ground time to settle.
After Replacement
Whole-House Flush
Once the service has been replaced and water service has been restored to your home, turn on the faucets throughout the home with cold water. Start with the faucet at the lowest level and work your way up to the highest level. This process will flush all of the water lines in the building.
After 30 minutes of running the water, shut off faucets starting at the lowest level and working your way up.
Clean Aerators
Remove faucet aerators/shower heads and clean out any particles that may have accumulated there.
The aerator is usually at the tip of the faucet and can be screwed off in order to clean it.
Routine Flush
For the next 30 days, run cold water through the plumbing in your home for 5 minutes each morning (or after an extended period of no water usage) before drinking or cooking. Taking a shower or bath will flush your lines.
Always use cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and baby formula preparation.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a pitcher filter certified to NSF 53 standards for 6 months after replacing a lead service line. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with your filter packaging to know when and how to change the filter cartridge.
Permanent Restoration
Crews will return within 120 days to restore the holes in the yard, sidewalk, and street to prework conditions with seeding, concrete, paving, or a combination of all three.
Lead Test
We will offer a water sample test 3-6 months after replacement to check lead levels.