HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-09 Lead Service LinesCity of South Bend
Indiana
City of South Bend
Indiana
City of South Bend
Lead Service Lines
October 9, 2023
Eric C. Horvath, P.E.
Director of Public Works
City of South Bend
City of South Bend
Indiana
City-Owned
•Wells, Treatment Facilities and Watermains
•City water source is groundwater
•No lead watermains
Water Infrastructure and Ownership
Privately-Owned
•Service lines run from watermains to internal
building plumbing
•Service lines are entirely privately-owned
City of South Bend
Indiana
Service Line Inventory
Developed using:
•Plumbing records
•Water sampling
results
•Tap cards
•Infrastructure
improvements records
•As-builts
•Building age
•Watermain age
•Potholing
•In-house identification
Service Line Inventories are required to be made public by October 16, 2024 per
the US Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Rule Requirements
Draft Draft
City of South Bend
Indiana
Service Line Identification - Potholing
•Also called hydro-excavation
•Performed in tree-lawn
locations and restored after
inspection
•Performed all throughout the
City at locations selected that
would best increase the
inventory predictability model
City of South Bend
Indiana
Inspection & Survey Steps:
1.Locate service line
2.Perform scratch test
3.Perform magnet test
4.Submit results
Service Line Identification Self-Inspection
Copper – scratch is color of a
penny and magnet does not stick
Galvanized – scratch is dull
gray and a magnet sticks
Lead – scratch is shiny gray
and magnet does not stick
Plastic – non-metallic and
magnet does not stick
Service Line Materials
City of South Bend
Indiana
•Free lead water sampling kits for City residents
•EPA action level for lead: 15 ppb at the 90th percentile
•Steps taken when lead is found above 10 ppb in any
sample:
•Investigation of conditions and sampling procedures
•Distribution of a free 6-month pitcher filter
•Free resampling and follow-up
•In 2024, South Bend has budgeted $50,000 for 1,500
pitcher filters
•Due to the City’s water sampling results of the 90th
percentile of lead being below the action limit (15 ppb),
the City is not required to replace lead service lines.
Water Sampling
Year 90th Percentile
Lead (ppb)
2022 4.1
2019 2.6
2016 4.5
2013 2.5
2010 3.7
City of South Bend
Indiana
City of South Bend
Indiana
Thank you!
Department of Public Works
Call 311 with questions
For Water Sampling Kits:
South Bend Municipal Utilities
waterquality@southbendin.gov