MANCHESTER, CT — The Manchester Water and Sewer Department plans to excavate small test pits at selected properties to identify water service line materials. Residents will receive door notices before the inspections, which are free and optional.
The work is planned for the coming weeks following the Monday, Nov. 2, notice. It addresses federal requirements to identify service line materials, with properties selected from a randomly generated list of residences served by the department.
Arcadis is managing the program, and Sunset Valley Construction will excavate near property lines and water shutoff valves. The test pits will expose pipes on both the town and customer sides of the curb box, potentially in front yards or sidewalks. The work typically takes about an hour, with excavated areas restored within seven days.
Residents do not need to prepare or be home, and water service should remain on. Inspection results, including the pipe material, will be left at the door the same day. Residents who do not want the work can decline participation, and the contractor will be assigned another property.
If someone is home, an Arcadis inspector may request basement access to check the indoor service line. Residents uncomfortable allowing entry may instead email a pipe photograph to lead@manchesterct.gov. If an indoor inspection cannot be completed during the visit, the door packet will include instructions for scheduling a follow-up.
Customers whose lines are identified as lead or galvanized will receive a pitcher filter and educational materials explaining how to reduce potential lead exposure. Questions or concerns can be directed to the department's customer service line at 860-647-6050.
Source: "Water Service Line Inspections 2026" (manchesterct.gov)
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