Water Service Line Material Inventory

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Hillsboro Has Completed a Water Service Line Material Inventory!

Water service lines can be made of different materials, including plastic, galvanized steel, copper, or lead. The installation of water service lines containing lead was banned in Oregon in 1985.
Girl drinking from glass

Hillsboro Water has developed an interactive map for the community to easily find information on their water service line material. Service line materials were determined through a rigorous investigation process which included:

Review of historical design standards,
Categorization based on Oregon's 1985 law banning lead,
Extensive GIS analysis, and
Physical inspection of 423 randomly selected service lines.

Through this investigation, it was determined that all service lines within Hillsboro Water's service area are categorized as "non-lead."

Open the map at the button below to search your address.

Water Service Line Inventory

Water Service Lines in Hillsboro

Water service lines in Hillsboro are owned jointly by Hillsboro Water and property owners.

Hillsboro Water is responsible for the portion of the service line from the water main to the water meter. Hillsboro Water’s service lines are categorized as non-lead.
The property owner is responsible for the portion of service line between the water meter and the home or business. Water service lines can be made of different materials, but if your home was built after January 1, 1986, your service line material is non-lead.

To determine your service line material and submit the results and a picture to Hillsboro Water.

4 Step Instructions

Equipment:

Flathead screwdriver or coin
Magnet
Flashlight
Cell phone camera

Flathead screwdriver A quarter coin Small magnets Small flashlight A person holds a cell phone to take a photo

Step 1: Locate Your Water Service Line

Water service lines are not located in the same place in every home. They typically enter your home or business through a garage, crawlspace, or basement. If you do not already know where yours is located, you may need to look in several places—and bring a flashlight.

Your water service line and shut-off – which is the primary control that turns off the water supply to a home or business – may look like one of these.

Graphic of water service line with a round shutoff valve

Step 2: Find the Right Spot to Test.

To test your water service line, use a magnet and a screwdriver or coin.

The area to test is between where the water service line enters the home or business – typically in the basement or garage floor or wall – and the shut-off valve.

Graphic of test area between where water service line enters the building and the shut-off valve

Step 3: Determine the Water Service Line Material

Look at your water service line. If it is blue, white, or black in color and is not metal, it is plastic.

Hands adjusting plastic water service line pipe

Place your magnet on the test area. If the magnet sticks, the water service line material is galvanized steel.

A magnet sticks to a galvanized steel pipe

If the magnet does not stick, gently scratch the service line with your flathead screwdriver or coin.

If the test area shows as a copper color, the water service line material is copper.

A copper pipe will shine copper when scratched with a coin

If the water service line shows a silver and shiny color, the water service line material is lead.

A lead pipe will be silver and shiny when scratched with a coin

Step 4: Submit Your Results and a Photo

Snap a picture of the test area with your cell phone camera. Then either:

Upload the picture through the online form

Email the picture along with your address to Hillsboro Water at WaterQuality@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov

Submit Material Information or Request Help

We Can Help

If you have questions or need assistance checking your service line material, use the form to email Hillsboro Water, or call 503-615-6702.

City of Hillsboro, OR

How Do I …

Most Requested