A Message from the Village Water Department
The EPA – Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions is requiring all water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of water service line materials by October 16, 2024. To meet this deadline, The Village of Colonie requests your help in identifying the water service pipe material as it enters your house/building. If you have any questions or if you would prefer to have a Village Water Department representative identify your service, please call 518-869-6372 to set up an appointment. We thank you for your help.
Step 1:
Locate your Pipe
This is typically found in the basement near your water meter. Testing should be performed where the service enters the building, before the shut-off valve and the water meter. In some instances, a very short length of pipe may enter the house before transitioning to another material. Please see the diagram below.
Step 2:
Test your Pipes
What you need:
- A key or coin
- Strong fridge magnet.
How to test:
- Test the pipe first with the magnet to see if it sticks. If not, move on to the scratch test.
- Use your chosen item to gently scratch the pipe (like you would a scratch ticket) where is comes into your house.
Types of Pipes:
Galvanized Steel Pipe
If a magnet sticks to the surface your service line is galvanized steel. A scratch test is not needed. If you do scratch the pipe, it will remain dull gray.
Copper Pipe
A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe. Scratch the pipe with a coin. If the scratched area is copper in color, like a new penny, your service line is copper.
Lead Pipe
A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe. Scratch the pipe with a coin. If the scraped area is shiny silver and flakes off, the service line is lead.
Step 3:
Take a Picture
Take a picture of that area with your phone or camera. (See examples)
Step 4:
Report your Results
Now that you have identified your water service line material and taken a picture, email it along with the following information to water@colonievillage.org
Your Name
Address
Phone Number
Pipe Material
Attach picture of pipes
If you have any questions or if you would prefer to have a Village Water Department representative identify your service, please call 518-869-6372 to set up an appointment. We thank you for your help.