Project Overview
City of Loveland Utilities has contracted Apex Underground to inspect and document the material composition of water service lines as part of a regulatory compliance initiative.

Inspections will begin with visual assessments where possible. If a visual inspection cannot confirm the service line material, a method known as potholing — digging small test holes above service lines — will be used. 

Location
Inspections will follow a phased priority map, with locations selected based on home construction dates. These dates help identify properties where lead service lines may have been installed prior to the 1988 ban on lead piping.

Timeline

• Start Date: Late June 2025
• Progress: Crews completed inventory in phases 1-10 in 2025
• Estimated Completion Date: End of October 2026

View the Service Line Inventory Schedule:

Additional locations and phases maybe identified throughout 2026.

Project Background

Recent updates to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule mandate all water systems to inventory their service line materials. A water service line is the underground pipe that delivers water from the main supply, usually found in the street, to your home. These lines may be made of copper, iron, plastic, galvanized steel or lead.

While the majority of homes in Loveland do not have lead service lines, some properties — particularly those built before 1988 — may still contain lead piping. To identify these, City of Loveland Utilities is continuing their system-wide inventory efforts with the help of Apex Underground.

Inspection Methods

• Visual Inspections: With homeowner permission, Apex Underground crews will perform inspections inside the home to identify the service line material where it enters the building. This quick process may eliminate the need for potholing and allows residents to ask questions directly about their verified service line material.
  
  If customers participated in the City's water service line verification survey with a qualifying photo, then no further customer-side verification or visual inspection is needed.
  
  
• Potholing: If a visual inspection is not possible or inconclusive, small test holes will be dug to confirm pipe materials. Holes are dug in landscaping, sidewalk or asphalt according to painted or flagged markers from utility locating and within the utility easement. Work typically takes about two hours, and sites will be restored temporarily upon completion. Full restoration may take place within 1-3 business days. 
  
  If customers participated in the City's water service line verification survey with a qualifying photo, then a pothole is only required on the City side of the service line between the water main and the meter pit.

If a lead service line is found while potholing, customers will be notified through an annual letter sent at the end of the year. For those who wish to review results sooner, data will be uploaded to the inventory map on the Lead Reduction Program page within 60 days of inspection. Although replacement of lead service lines is recommended, it is not currently mandatory.

What to Expect

Communication

• Notification emails will be sent to customers with current emails on file with our Utility Billing division. Emails will explain the inspection process and next steps.
• Apex Underground will attempt direct contact 5-10 days prior to scheduled inspections in the area.  
• Door hangers will be distributed 1-2 days before work begins.

Before the Inspection

• Utility Locates: Utility lines will be marked with paint or flags 1-2 weeks before inspections in case potholing is needed. Please do not disturb these markings — they will naturally fade over time. 
• Street Parking Notices: Crews may post signage limiting street parking 24+ hours in advance to ensure space for equipment

Inspection Activities

• Visual Inspection: If customers are home during the start of an inspection, crews may request access to view the point where the service line enters the building. This may require access to a basement or crawl space.
  
  If customers participated in the City's water service line verification survey with a qualifying photo, then no further customer-side verification or visual inspection is needed.
  
  
• Potholing: If a visual inspection is not feasible, crews will use machinery to dig small holes to inspect the material of the service line. This will take about two hours, and the area will be restored after work is completed.
  
  If customers participated in the City's water service line verification survey with a qualifying photo, then a pothole is only required on the City side of the service line between the water main and the meter pit.

Utility Easement Information

Potholing will occur within designated utility easements. Access is granted per City of Loveland code:   

Section 4.5.1.C (page 4-18) — Water and Wastewater Development Standards:

All Public appurtenances (hydrants, meter pits and vaults, manholes, etc.) shall generally be centered within a designated Easement. At a minimum, Easements shall extend 10 feet beyond all sides of any appurtenance. 

Community Benefits

This project supports a broader statewide initiative to identify and reduce the presence of lead in drinking water systems. The program was approved in December 2019 by the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Learn more on our Lead Reduction Program page. 

Funding

This project is funded through water operations budget, which is supported by customer rates, charges and fees for water service. 

Questions or concerns?

We're here to help.

Regarding inspections, contact Apex Underground at 303-995-5776 or email F.Peralta@apexunderground.com. 

Regarding ongoing lead reduction efforts, contact us at 970-962-3772 or email lead@cityofloveland.org.