City Advances Lead Service Line Investigation Under Updated Federal Rules

City officials continue to move forward with a multi-year effort to identify and verify lead water service lines throughout the community. Updated federal requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency’s revised Lead and Copper Rule require this.

The regulation requires public water systems to complete a full inventory of service lines and determine whether any contain lead. While lead pipes were banned in 1986, any service lines installed prior to that year must now be verified.

Out of approximately 5,200 total service lines in the city, roughly 2,000 are currently classified as “unknown.” To date approximately 18 lead service lines have been identified, including both, residential and commercial properties.

City officials expect to complete the next phase of investigating of those “unknown” lines by October 2027.

Encouraging Self-Inspections to Reduce Disruption

To minimize lawn excavation and reduce overall project costs, the city encourages residents to complete self-inspections whenever possible.

In most cases, residents themselves can identify service line material inside the home near the water meter, avoiding extra costs and disruption to lawns. They can submit photos of their service line through an online survey at wyriskit.com. If completed properly, officials say the survey may eliminate the need for further private-side investigation.

In 2024, between 200 and 300 residents completed their own inspections. City officials anticipate another 300 to 400 self-inspections will be completed soon.

Residents who do not have access to a computer can contact City Hall. There, Public Works Administrative staff can answer questions and print out a physical copy of the survey.

Excavation Process and Equipment Upgrades

If physical verification is required, crews plan to locate the curb stop valve which typically sits about six to ten feet from the street or alley where the city water main is located. Excavation holes generally measure about eight inches in diameter, and will be refilled when the verification is completed.

The city uses vacuum excavation trucks, which remove soil through a large tank and hose system designed to minimize lawn damage. These trucks are also used for sewer cleaning and other utility maintenance activities.

Currently operating with one vacuum truck, the city plans to purchase a second vacuum excavator at an estimated cost of $750,000, with delivery expected in May 2026. Officials say the additional truck will provide backup capability and improve efficiency.

The current 10 year old vacuum truck had already been scheduled for replacement under the city’s equipment plan. The older unit recently required a $50,000 repair. Officials say acquiring the second truck through the grant-funded loan program allows the city to strengthen its operational capacity while addressing long-term infrastructure needs.

With two trucks in operation, one can be dedicated primarily to the lead service line investigation while the other continues to support sanitary sewer and electric utility projects. City officials say they have found that two trucks are necessary to adequately service ongoing municipal work without delays. The City may eventually sell the older unit.

Funding and Financial Impact

To help finance the effort, the city has applied for funding through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program.

The proposed funding package includes:
• A $1 million loan
• 0% interest for 10 years
• Up to 25% of the loan eligible for forgiveness

City officials estimate annual repayment would be approximately $75,000 per year starting in 2028. Roughly $250,000 is expected to be preserved in existing funds through careful budgeting.

Officials emphasized that proactively completing the required inventory now will ultimately save taxpayers money by avoiding future penalties and emergency compliance costs.

State and Federal Compliance

The project is being carried out in coordination with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and in compliance with EPA regulations. Much of the initial inventory work has been compiled using existing GIS data and historical construction records.

Residents whose properties fall into the “unknown” category will receive mailed notices as the city moves forward with the next phase of the investigation.

Officials stress that the goal of the program is clarity and compliance — identifying service line materials, addressing any confirmed lead lines, and ensuring long-term public health and infrastructure integrity.

This article is proudly sponsored by