What is a water service line?
A water service line is the pipe that carries water from the City’s water main in the street to your property. Property owners own the water service line from the water main to their home or building.
I identified the material of my service line and submitted it to the City. Why does it say that my line is unknown?
Even though residents may have self-identified the material of the water line entering the house, the section of line from the curb stop to the main may not have been confirmed; therefore, it will still be listed as “unknown."
Oftentimes, different materials are used for the connection between the main line and the curb stop compared to the line leading to the home. In many older homes, it's typical to find a lead service line running from the water main to the curb and a galvanized line extending from the curb stop to the house.
I received a letter saying that I have a lead service line. Is there lead in my water?
Receiving a notification saying you have a lead service line does not mean that lead has been detected. The City distributes clean, safe drinking water to homes every day that meets all state and federal water quality standards. Water is lead-free when it leaves the City’s treatment plants and water mains, but it is possible for water to pick up lead particles from service lines or plumbing fixtures within your home if they contain lead.
If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you can have your water tested for free. Request a test by emailing waterquality@southbendin.gov or calling 311.
I received a letter saying I have a galvanized steel service line and it requires replacement?
Per the Lead & Copper Rule, galvanized service lines are also considered lead service lines for the purposes of identification and replacement.
How can I reduce exposure to lead in my drinking water?
Test Your Water: If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you can have your water tested for free. Request a test by emailing waterquality@southbendin.gov or calling 311.
Inspect Your Water Treatment Devices: If you have a water softener, set it no higher than 25 grains per gallon. Avoid drinking softened water, as it can dissolve metals from your pipes more easily than hard water.
Use a Water Filter: Invest in an NSF-certified water filter designed for lead removal. These filters also improve the quality and taste of water. Visit nsf.org for more information.
Flush Your Taps: If a faucet hasn’t been used for more than six hours, flush it until it runs cold before drinking or cooking.
Choose Cold Water: Always use cold tap water for drinking and food preparation. Hot water is more likely to contain lead.
Install Lead-Free Fixtures: Upgrade to certified lead-free faucets and fixtures.
Regularly Clean Faucet Aerators: Remove and clean faucet aerators regularly to prevent lead particles from accumulating.
How do I get more information?
For additional resources on reducing lead exposure and understanding its health effects, visit epa.gov/lead or call the
National Lead Information Center's hotline at 1(800) 424-5323.
Additional local resources are:
St. Joseph County Health Department
227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend
(9th Floor, County-City Building)
(574) 235-9750
Webite: https://www.in.gov/localhealth/stjosephcounty/environmental-health/lead/
South Bend Lead Protection Program
The City has grants available to assist making homes lead safe. Eligible households can apply to have lead safe repairs completed, up to $20,000, by qualified contractors at no cost to you. More information can be found at southbendin.gov/lead.