Service Line Identification

The EPA’s new revision to the Lead and Copper Rule also requires galvanized service lines that are or may have been previously located downstream from a lead service line to be replaced. This is because it is possible that galvanized steel could absorb lead and release it later.

If we find galvanized steel on your private side service line, the city will evaluate our records to check if it was or may have been previously downstream of a lead line. If it was, the line requires replacement and is termed as “Galvanized Requiring Replacement”, or GRR. If our records show that the galvanized line has always been downstream of safe material than it does not qualify for a free replacement. 

Greeley Water employs a comprehensive approach to identify lead service lines and utilizes the following identification methods:

• Record Review: the city has records for the public-side of most service lines. These can be used as proof of the pipe material installed.
• Property/Infrastructure Build Dates: properties or infrastructure installed after 1960, can in some circumstances be used to verify a service line as non-lead.
• Service Line Inspections: It is often possible to identify the material of the private side service line, by inspecting the pipe material as it enters the property, typically in the basement or crawlspace. This can be completed by residents via our online survey, by City of Greeley staff or contracted professionals.
• Potholing: Where other methods are not possible, potholing may be required to identify the service line material. Potholing involves using a hydro-vac to dig a basketball-sized hole to identify the service line underground. Our contractor will then fill the hole and restore the surface.