Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement

Prior to 1986, galvanized pipes were commonly used for drinking water supply lines in homes. These galvanized pipes were typically connected to the public water main with a short section of lead pipe (sometimes called a pigtail or gooseneck.) Because of the previous connection, galvanized service lines are now classified as lead service lines because particulate lead from the lead goosenecks could be absorbed into the soft metals of the galvanized water service line between the water main and the home. To reduce this potential risk, these galvanized pipes must be replaced by 2041.

Zeeland BPW purchases its drinking water from Holland BPW which sources it from Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is a high-quality water source that is free of major contaminants. Water supplied by Zeeland BPW does not contain lead when it leaves the treatment plant. Also, Zeeland BPW’s water distribution system is made of lead-free pipes. This means that our drinking water is not exposed to lead during the distribution process, where water from Lake Michigan pumped through the water mains that lay beneath the streets in our service area.
Each home that we serve is connected to the water main by a water service line. Some older lines that connect houses to water mains may contain lead. Another potential source of lead is a is a home’s internal plumbing. Internal plumbing that could contain lead includes lead pipes, lead solder, and fixtures made of brass that contains some lead. Lead pipes and solder were officially banned in 1986, more restrictive requirements for plumbing fixtures were introduced in January 2014. All these potential sources can cause lead to be present in drinking water, especially if water sits for a long time near lead sources before use.
The best way to avoid lead exposure is removing the sources of lead. In addition to Zeeland BPW replacing your water service line, we strongly encourage you to evaluate other potential sources of lead inside your home plumbing, remove them when possible, and follow best practices to minimize your exposure to lead from any remaining sources. A licensed plumber can help you to identify and remove lead plumbing.

View our “Reducing Potential Lead Exposure” brochure for easy tips to reduce the risk of exposure.

Though Michigan’s new regulations require the galvanized water service lines to be replaced by 2041. However, we’re creating a 5-year plan to perform these replacements. In this plan, we estimate approximately 200 replacements per year. We will notify you when we are replacing services lines in your neighborhood.

You can replace your galvanized water service line at your discretion, however all costs associated with this would be the responsibility of the property owner.

Every home water service line replacement varies, but it typically takes 4 to 8 hours.

To ensure a timely replacement plan, Zeeland BPW is in the process of contracting local professionals through a bidding process. Only approved contractors by Zeeland BPW will be included in our galvanized water service line replacement plan.

Replacement costs of galvanized water service lines performed by our contractors are Zeeland BPW’s responsibility.

As this project moves to your neighborhood, we will contact you to schedule. On the day of your schedule replacement, we will require someone (at least 18 years of age) on site to allow our crews to enter your home. They need to gain access to the water meter in your basement. Keep in mind that the work will require shutting off your water service line for several hours.
Please be sure that on the day of your replacement, the area around the meter is free of obstacles – including cabinetry, drywall, and stored items.

The contractors will replace your water service line up to the first valve inside the building or to a point 18 inches inside the building, whichever is shorter. Any plumbing beyond this point is the responsibility of the property owner. If that plumbing material is lead or galvanized, we strongly encourage you to replace that at your cost at your first opportunity.

Prior to the service being replaced, you may see a Zeeland BPW or contractor stopping by to view your property. In preparation for your water service line replacement, you may also notice flags or paint marks placed on your property to stake out the location of the underground utilities (gas, electric, phone, etc.)

The contractor will replace the existing non-copper service line from the street to your house with a copper line. The road, sidewalk and yards will be restored once all services have been installed.

Once we complete the water service replacement from the street to the house, we will then need to flush your water service pipes. Please open the valve to your outside faucet and make sure the outside faucet is available to use. After your pipe replacement, you must flush all of your faucets per MDEQ’s recommendation.
Please Follow These Steps:
1) Remove faucet aerators from all cold water taps in the home.
2) Beginning in the lowest level of the home, open the cold water taps completely throughout the home.
3) Let the water run for at least 30 minutes at the last tap you opened (top floor).
4) Turn off each tap starting with the taps in the highest level of the home. Be sure to run water in bathtubs and showers, as well as faucets.
Do not open hot water faucets, consume tap water, use icemakers or filtered water dispensers, until after flushing is complete.

Contact our Water Operations Manager, Mike Levandoski, 616.772.6212.