Frequently Asked Questions

Lead service lines and the use of lead solder was banned in 1986, therefore homes built since 1986 were not included in the study. In addition, lead was generally not used for service lines greater than 2” in diameter.

Historically, water purveyors (the City) have not been responsible for the customer’s (private) service line.   This project is unique in that we’re required to identify the materials used from the meter to the building (private side) as well.

City staff took the following steps to identify service line materials:

• Historical plumbing and installation standards and best practices
• Permit records for service line repairs or replacements
• Capital project records
• City ordinances
• As-Built records
• Property owner verification
• City maintenance records
• Field verification
• Statistical approach approved by Washington Department of Health  

The inventory includes ALL service lines regardless of their actual or intended use, such as dedicated irrigation lines. Service line materials must be identified in one of four categories: 

• Lead
• Galvanized steel requiring replacement (GRR)
• Non-Lead
• Unknown

The inventory includes a detailed location description, sub-classifications for service line materials such as poly (plastic) or copper, and documentation of any other service line characteristics.

The City is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our drinking water. We encourage homeowners to be aware of the potential sources of lead in their plumbing systems and to take appropriate action if necessary.

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode, particularly in conditions of high acidity or low mineral content, which can corrode pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water include:

• Lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures: Homes with lead service lines, which connect the home to the water main, are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. These pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. (There is no indication of lead service lines in our water service area.) Brass or chrome-plated brass faucets: These can contain lead and contribute to the lead content in water.
• Plumbing with lead solder: Lead solder was commonly used in plumbing before 1986.

Hundreds of water samples are collected annually at the water source, during treatment and in the distribution system to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. 

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and interior plumbing. Lead and copper can leach into a water system from the piping or the fixtures (faucets). Homes built or plumbed with copper pipe before the 1985 lead solder ban, may have used lead-based solder. 

The City is required to monitor for the presence of lead and copper at household taps every three years. Snohomish in conjunction with the City of Everett participate in a regional monitoring program. Ongoing testing shows that the City’s drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards for lead and copper. For additional information on where our water comes from and testing results see the link below. 

 The City is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. 

Elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Environmental Protection Agency website. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.