Water Service Line Material Inventory
The City of Saint Paul is performing a water service line material inventory for all buildings served by the water utility. The United States Environmental Project Agency’s (USEPA) Safe Drinking Water Act requires that public water systems – like the Saint Paul Island water utility – perform these surveys to identify if and where lead service lines exist in water systems. The City has contracted Kuna Engineering to perform the survey.
Project Milestones
| October 9, 2024 Procurement of Equipment and Supplies | |
| October 24, 2024 Contract with Kuna Engineering to complete project | |
| November 12, 2024 Kick-off meeting with Kuna Engineering | |
| December 1–8, 2024 Kuna Engineering onsite to complete inventory with City Water/Wastewater Operator | |
| January 15, 2025 Inventory data submitted to State | |
| February 28, 2025 Project close out |
Stay Informed
For updates and involvement opportunities on this project and others, please check the project updates and announcements page.
Funding
Grant Source: State of Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation Division of Water Grant Amount: Drinking Water Program $20,000 State Revolving Fund Program $54,259 Timeline: October 2024- February 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Water Service Line?
A water service line is the pipe that leads from the City of Saint Paul’s water main to your house or business. It is installed during the process of constructing a building and is the responsibility of the building owner or homeowner.
Why is the City of Saint Paul performing the inventory?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Water Drinking Act requires all public water systems to develop and maintain a water service line material inventory.
Which buildings will be surveyed?
The City and Kuna Engineering will be conducting in-person surveys of about 95 buildings in Old Town/Downtown. All other buildings in Up Town and New Town have already been evaluated through records and documents.
Why doesn’t the City of Saint Paul already know what the service line material is for houses and buildings in the community?
While water main lines are the responsibility of the City, water service lines are installed by the builder or construction company that built the dwelling or building. Service line materials have changed over the years and builders are not required to inform the City what type of service line materials they used on a house or building. It’s important that the City gets the information from the property owner to determine if lead service lines are used in the house or building.
When will they survey my house?
Before the Thanksgiving holiday, Monty Baker will be visiting each of the homes to be surveyed to schedule a time that works best for you for the week of December 1-8.
What will the City be looking at when they come to my house?
Monty Baker, Water/Wastewater Operator, along with Brett Kirk with Kuna Engineering, will need access to your crawlspace or basement. They will only be observing, not making any repairs. They will photograph and document the piping, connections, and fittings. This survey will not require water to be turned off.
Will the inspectors need to dig around the outside of my home to access the water service line?
No. No digging will occur as part of this survey. However, you may be asked to move personal items that are blocking where the water service line pipe enters your building.
Should residents be worried about lead pipes?
The water mains servicing City of Saint Paul water utility customers are not made of lead; however, the materials that contractors use for the water service line connecting the house to the City’s water main could be lead, copper, galvanized or plastic. Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to lead. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child.
