City of Polson launches an inventory of lead water lines

The City of Polson has launched a Lead Service Line Inventory project, an initiative driven by the Public Works Department.

According to a press release, city officials say the project is part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of the community’s water infrastructure. While the city doesn’t have any records of lead service lines within its system, the inventory is a precautionary measure that every municipality is required to undertake by the State of Montana.

The Public Works Department’s inventory of all water service lines across the entire service area of the City of Polson will help identify any lead piping both on the city-owned side of the curb stop and the resident-owned side. This project will require both the Public Works staff and residents help in completing this endeavor to successfully and accurately inventory all service lines to meet EPA requirements.

To assist in completing this project, the city is utilizing three strategies:

• GIS Mapping Integration: The Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool will allow city workers and citizens to explore the city's water infrastructure, allowing them to navigate and visualize all city service lines. The mapping tool will be an important aspect in pinpointing each residence to identify the status of their service lines.
• Resident Survey: All residents that are marked as "unknown" are encouraged to complete a brief survey found in the Lead Safe Community website to update their service line. This survey will help aid the Public Works staff conduct the inventory in a more efficient and accurate fashion.
• Information and Updates: Stay informed with the latest news, developments and progress updates related to the Lead Service Line Inventory Project at lead-service-line-inventory-polson.hub.arcgis.com/.

Email leadsafecommunity@cityofpolson.com for more information.