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In Valparaiso, the city is launching a program to complete a full inventory of the city’s water service lines, including those in residences, announced Matt Zurbriggen, Deputy City Services Director. The inventory is required by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) as part of the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 revision of the Lead and Copper rule, a news release said.
“We want the public to know that the water in Valparaiso is safe and that we have an extensive inventory of the service lines on our side of the utility. We are required to submit an inventory showing the materials used on the customers’ side of the line now and ask for the community’s help so that we can complete this requirement,” said Zurbriggen.
To compile the required information, the city says residents will be asked to participate in either of two ways:
1. Inspect their service line in a simple test and submit the information online. OR
2. Allow an authorized door knocker to briefly enter their home to do this examination.
Beginning in February 2024, the city of Valparaiso says it will offer an easy-to-use website for customers to report their service line materials or schedule their brief in-home assessment. “Compiling this information is a federal requirement. However, the information also benefits our community as we learn of any potential lead service lines in homes. We want to help residents to be aware and also to qualify for any potential funding that may be available to them for replacing lead service lines in their home in the future,” said Zurbriggen.
Authorized door knockers will be working throughout the Valparaiso community, beginning in February to complete the inventory by the deadline of October 16, 2024. They will have badges to confirm their identities and the appointments may also be scheduled ahead of time, at the customer’s convenience. “We truly appreciate the cooperation of our community as all Indiana communities are doing this inventory. We want to complete the process as quickly and conveniently for customers as possible,” said Zurbriggen.
