Lead and Copper
EPA’s Rule Revision Water Service Line Inventory
At this time, no lead has been identified anywhere within the District’s water system. The District will continue efforts to confirm service line materials in compliance with EPA’s 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revision and 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Future work may include water sampling, service line excavation, and/or predictive modeling.
Per EPA requirements, the District completed a water service line inventory on October 16, 2024. We have continued to collect data to update our inventory and will keep these records up to date. While we have records for many lines installed after 1996, we need more information to verify older service lines that were installed or replaced before that date.
Identifying Materials in Your Water Service Line
The District continues efforts to confirm service line materials in compliance with EPA’s 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revision and 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Future work may include water sampling, service line excavation, and/or predictive modeling.
As part of our commitment to water safety, we are identifying and inventorying materials for all service lines in the District, including: lead, non-lead, galvanized, and unknown.
Step 1
Locate Your Water Service Line
Find the water service line where it enters your building, typically in the basement, mechanical room, or a wall panel. Look for the pipe upstream (before) the water meter.
Step 2
Perform the Visual Test
Using the edge of screwdriver or penny scratch through to see the color of the pipe. You are looking for shiny silver-gray, dull silver gray or copper in color. A magnet will not stick to copper or galvanized as a followup test.
Step 3
Submit Results by Text or Email
Please take a photo of the pipe where water enters your building (usually near the water meter) and send it to us:
Email: waterserviceline@wsd363.com
Text: (406) 404-3142
Health Effects & Steps to Reduce Lead in your Drinking Water
Health Effects of Lead
Lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups.
- Infants and children: decreased IQ and attention span; new or worsening learning and behavior problems
- Pregnancy: increased risk of negative effects to the child if exposed before or during pregnancy
- Adults: increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system problems
Steps to Reduce Lead in Your Drinking Water
If you’re concerned about lead in your drinking water, these actions may help:
- Use a certified filter. Choose a filter certified to remove lead. Follow installation and replacement instructions, and do not run hot water through the filter.
- Clean your aerator. Sediment and particles can collect in the faucet screen-clean it regularly.
- Use cold water. Use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling does not remove lead.
- Learn your service line material. Contact us or ask a licensed plumber.
- Ask about construction in your area. Construction or maintenance work can disturb service lines and release particles.
- Have your water tested. Contact us for information on certified labs and sampling guidance.
For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead.
Lead and Copper Analysis FAQs
What is the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, and why is it important?
The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) aims to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, which can pose health risks. As part of this initiative, water utilities, including Big Sky Water and Sewer District 363, are required to inventory all water service lines to identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with lead or galvanized pipes.
What is a water service line?
A water service line is the pipe that connects your property to the public water main, delivering drinking water to your building. This pipe may be made of different materials, and it is important to identify if it contains lead or other materials that could affect water quality.
What should I do if I don’t know where my water service line enters my house?
If you are unsure where your service line enters your home, it’s typically located in the basement, mechanical room, or near a wall panel where the water meter is installed. If you’re still having trouble, please contact the District at (406) 995-2666 to schedule an inspection by our team.
What if I have multiple properties or more than one service line into my property?
You will need to submit a separate survey for each service line. Each line may have different materials, and it is important for us to inventory each one individually.
What if I don’t know the material of my service line?
If you’re unable to determine the material, please take a clear photo of the pipe where it enters the building and send it to waterserviceline@wsd363.com. You can also contact the District to schedule an inspection if you’re unsure.
How can I submit my service line information?
You can submit your information in the following ways:
- Fill out the attached test form and mail it to Big Sky Water & Sewer Dist. 363, PO Box 160670, Big Sky, MT 59716.
- Email the information to waterserviceline@wsd363.com (attachment size limited to 10 MB).
- Complete on online survey using the QR code below, or by typing “bitly/wsd363leadsurvey” in a browser
Why is it necessary to submit this information?
The EPA mandates that all water systems complete an inventory of service lines to ensure public health and safety. By providing this information, you help us identify any potential risks related to lead in your service line.
What happens if lead or galvanized materials are found in my service line?
If lead or galvanized materials are found, the District will inform you of the next steps to replace or mitigate the risks associated with these materials. We are committed to working with our customers to ensure the safety of drinking water in our community.
How can I get my water tested?
Contact us, your water utility, for more information on certified laboratory testing. We have water sample test materials onsite to get you started in the process of connecting with a certified lab in our area.
Did you receive a notification of known or potential service line contain lead flyer in the mail.
To comply with § 141.84(a), any water system with lead, galvanized service lines requiring replacement, or service lines with unknown lead status in its inventory must notify all customers served by such lines. While no lead has been identified anywhere in our water system, EPA regulations require us to notify customers when the material of their service line is unknown. You are receiving this notice because we have not yet identified the material of your service line.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Big Sky Water and Sewer District 363 at (406) 995-2666 or email us at waterserviceline@wsd363.com.