What is a water service line?
- A water service line or “service line” refers to a pipe that connects your home to fresh, potable drinking water. The service line is the portion of pipe that begins at the connection to the City water main under the street to your water meter inside your home.
Why is a lead water service line a problem?
- Lead is a heavy metal that can leach into the water supply and have adverse health risks with prolonged exposure. It is best to remove sources of lead exposure when possible.
When was lead no longer used for water services?
- Congress banned the use of Lead for water service lines on June 19, 1986.
Does Brooklyn Center have any lead water mains?
- The City does not have any Lead water mains.
Why is Brooklyn Center collecting this information?
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions that went into effect on December 16, 2021.
Why doesn’t the City already have this information?
- There is a common misconception that part of the water service line is owned and maintained by the City. In fact, under ordinance, the entire service line from the City water main to the private meter is owned and maintained by the property owner.
How will this information be used?
- Brooklyn Center is required to collect this information and provide the results to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We log the information into a database so we know what areas have been confirmed as well as the piping material.
What if I have a Lead water service?
- If you believe that you have a Lead service line, please contact the Public Works Department to have someone out to verify your piping material. If it is found to be Lead, we will get you in contact with local providers we work with who perform utility work in Brooklyn Center.
Will I be forced to replace my line if it contains lead?
- No, you will not be forced to replace your water service. It is recommended that you replace the portion containing Lead, but it is the owner’s decision.
Who bears the cost if the line is replaced?
- Service lines are owned and maintained by the property owner. As such, replacement costs would be the owner’s responsibility. However, the Federal Government has set aside grant funding in some cases that you may be eligible for to defray a portion of replacement costs.
What if I am not comfortable testing the service line myself?
- You may contact the Public Works Department by calling 763-585-7100 or emailing PublicWorks@BrooklynCenterMN.gov to request a staff member come out and verify your service line material at no charge. Staff operate Brooklyn Center marked vehicles, wear city logoed apparel, and are happy to provide staff identification upon request. The inspection typically takes about 5 minutes to complete.
What if I am not sure what material my service line is?
- Please refer to the City of Brooklyn Center’s webpage on Lead Service Lines for help identifying piping material. Alternatively, you may contact the Public Works Department by calling 763-585-7100 or emailing PublicWorks@BrooklynCenterMN.gov to request a staff member come out and verify your service line material at no charge. Staff operate Brooklyn Center marked vehicles, wear city logoed apparel, and are happy to provide staff identification upon request. The inspection typically takes about 5 minutes to complete.
What if I cannot locate my water service?
- The water service line will always be connected to your water meter, and is usually located on the street side of the home in the basement or crawlspace along the foundation wall. In some cases the service line may be located along the back wall of the home. For homes that do not have a basement or crawlspace, the service may be located in a utility closet, or in rare cases under an access panel on the exterior near the front door. In homes with finished basements, the service may be located in the utility room, a small closet, or behind an access panel.
What if my water service is buried behind a wall?
- If your basement has been finished and access to the meter and service was not incorporated into the design, you may need to open up part of the wall to provide a means for visual verification.
What if I do not provide the information to the City?
- Per the ruling from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and direction provided by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), all cities are required to collect and provide this information back to the MDH. We are asking for residents to comply in a timely manner.
What proactive steps are being taken by the City to collect this information?
- Brooklyn Center has collaborated with CCX media to provide video information about this initiative, we have placed articles in the Brooklyn Center City Watch, we have published information, on social media, we have sent out mailings, and we have staff going door-to-door leaving information behind and offering to perform the inspection on the spot.
