Water Service Line Inventory Project


December 2022

City of Chicago Heights Water Service Line Inventory

The City of Chicago Heights is performing an inventory of water service lines. The water service line is the smaller pipe that delivers water from the City water main to your home. This inventory assessment is required by the Federal and State governments. The City is requesting your assistance in identifying the existing material of your water service line. We have provided residents with a link to the online survey to help identify the existing material at each water service line.

Your prompt response and cooperation is appreciated!

Link to the Online Survey: 

Please use the link below to complete the online survey with any computer or mobile device. Simply click the link below and follow the survey instructions or scan the QR code with the camera app of your smartphone and click on the link that appears on screen.

If you have difficulty completing the survey on a computer or mobile device, please call the Water Department at 708-756-5397 for assistance or email at WaterServiceLineSurvey@chicagoheights.net .

Click HERE to start the survey!
or Scan the QR Code:

Water Service Line Survey QR Code
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR WATER SERVICE LINE MATERIAL:

Step One: Locate the water service line coming into the home or building. This is typically found in the basement. An inlet valve and the water meter are installed on the pipe after the point of entry. For this survey, we will be identifying the pipe material listed as "SURVEY AREA" shown in the picture.

Survey Area

Step 2: Use a key or the flat edge of a screwdriver to scratch through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe. 

DO NOT use a knife or other sharp object to do the scratch test and take care not to puncture a hole in the pipe.

Compare your findings to the illustrations below.


Lead Pipe
The Scratch Test:
  • If the scraped area is SHINY and SILVER, your service line is LEAD.
The Magnet Test:
  • A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
The Tapping Test:
  • Tapping a lead pipe with a coin will produce a dull noise.
Copper Pipe
The Scratch Test:
  • If the scraped area is COPPER in COLOR, like a penny, your service line is COPPER.
The Magnet Test:
  • A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
The Tapping Test:
  • Tapping a copper pipe with a coin will produce a metallic ringing noise.
Galvanized Pipe
The Scratch Test:
  • If the scraped area is DULL and GRAY, your service line is GALVANIZED STEEL.
The Magnet Test:
  • A magnet will stick to a galvanized pipe.
The Tapping Test:
  • Tapping a galvanized pipe with a coin will produce a metallic ringing noise.

Step 3: Report your results via our online survey HERE. You may also contact our Water Department to report your results or if you need additional assistance at 708-756-5397.