Project: Using contracted teams from AGL Construction to inspect and catalog water service line material using potholing methods. 

Location: An initial set of specific locations have been identified by staff based on construction date of homes that correlates with the possibility for lead pipes to have been used. 

Start Date: Early September

Estimated Completion Date: End of October

Project Background

Recent updates to the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule mandate that all water systems inventory their service lines. A water service line is the underground pipe that delivers water from the main supply, usually found in the street, to your home. These lines can be constructed using lead, copper, galvanized steel, iron, or plastic. In Loveland, most service lines are not made of lead but lead pipes may have been installed before the lead pipe ban in 1988. 

Loveland Water and Power has identified an initial group of customers, based on the construction date of their residence, where lead service lines might have been used.

Loveland Water and Power has enlisted AGL Construction to perform potholing to comply with these regulations. This process involves digging small test holes to confirm the material of service lines running from the street to past the water meter within the utility easement. If a lead service line is found, customers will be notified. While replacement is recommended, it is not mandatory at this time.

What Can Customers Expect?

Communication:

• Customers within the initial inventory group have been mailed letters explaining the need for potholing and what to expect. 
• An effort to place door hangers at service addresses 1-2 days prior to the start of potholing will also be made. 

Utility Locates (1-2 weeks before potholing):

• Utility lines will be marked with paint or flags. Please do not remove these markers. They will fade over time after the potholing is completed.

Street Parking (24+ hours before potholing):

• Crews may place signage reducing or limiting street parking 24+ hours in advance of potholing work to reserve space needed for equipment access. 

Potholing Activities:

• Crews will use machinery to dig small holes in the yard to inspect the material of the water line. This will take about two hours, and the area will be restored afterward. 

Utility Easements on Residential Property

Access to utility easements on your property are explained in the below municipal code.  

Section 4.5.1.C of City of Loveland Water and Wastewater Development Standards: All Public appurtenances (hydrants, meter pits and vaults, MHs, etc.) shall generally be centered within a designated Easement. At a minimum, Easements shall extend 10 feet beyond all sides of any appurtenance. 

Community Benefits

This effort is part of a statewide lead reduction initiative to reduce lead service lines.  This program was approved in December 2019 by the EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Read more about it on our Lead Reduction Program page. 

Funding

This project is supported by water operations budget that comes from the rates, charges and fees charged to water service customers. 

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please call us at 970-962-3772 or email lead@cityofloveland.org.