FAQ

Have Any Questions?

Do I need to be home for the inspection?

Yes—homeowners or residents are generally asked to be present to ensure access to the water meter and interior connection points. The team will schedule your inspection in advance and provide a clear timeframe.

How is the lead inspection conducted?

Verification can happen in two ways:

In-Person Inspection
An EquiFlow inspector will schedule a short visit or may stop by while conducting door-to-door canvassing. Inspectors wear identifiable vests and badges. They’ll need access to where the service line enters your home, often near the meter or in the basement.
The process takes about 15 minutes and includes a quick visual check, a light scratch and magnet test, and a few photos. If your line qualifies for replacement, the inspector will explain next steps and review the Right of Entry form before requesting your signature.

Self-Verification Online
Prefer to verify your service line material without an in-person visit? Complete the quick and easy self-verification form on the EquiFlow website and upload photos of your water meter and service line. An EquiFlow Specialist will review your submission, confirm eligibility, and follow up with next steps, if any.

Whether done in person or online, verification is quick, non-invasive, and helps move Westerly toward a lead-free future.

What is a Water Service Line?

A water service line is the pipe that carries drinking water from the city’s main water line in the street to your home’s water meter. It has two sections: the city-owned portion (from the main to the curb stop) and the property-owned portion (from the curb stop to the meter).

Many older homes, especially those built before the 1950s, still have lead service lines. Replacing these lines through the EquiFlow Program removes a primary source of lead exposure and enhances the long-term quality and reliability of your home’s water system.

‍

A diagram of a house and a carAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Are the people coming to my home safe? How have they been vetted?

All personnel conducting inspections and replacements are trained professionals working under the Town of Westerly’s contracted program. Each team member carries proper identification and has completed background screening and safety training

What type of maintenance is required after replacement?

No special maintenance is needed. Residents will receive instructions for flushing pipes and using a certified filter for a short period following replacement.

What happens if lead is found?

If we identify a lead service line at your property:

Don’t panic. We’ll explain the situation and leave behind clear information on next steps.

Avoid drinking tap water until you take steps to reduce exposure. You may still use it for bathing or cleaning, but do not cook with or consume unfiltered tap water.

Use a certified water filter that is approved for lead removal. If you need help identifying one, our team can assist.

Flush your pipes before using water for drinking or cooking—run cold water for at least 5 minutes.

Clean your faucet aerators regularly to reduce sediment and trapped particles.

Why is lead a concern, and how can it enter drinking water?

Lead can enter drinking water when service lines or plumbing that contain lead corrode. Even low levels of exposure can impact health, particularly for children and pregnant individuals.

How is the EquiFlow Lead-Free Program funded?

The program is supported through federal and state funding, including the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), and is delivered in partnership with CIP.

Will I be asked to sign for anything?

Homeowners are only asked to sign the ROE form to authorize access for the work.

Once verified, how long will crews be on my property to replace the line?

Lead line replacements usually take 4 to 8 hours, including work inside and outside your home, and will be scheduled with you at least one week in advance of work. Our team works Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM. Sometimes, contractors may need access before the replacement or run into unexpected issues, which could extend the timeline.

What is the Right of Entry (ROE) form, and why is it needed?

The ROE form gives the City and its contractors permission to enter your property to complete the service line replacement work. Without it, the lead service line cannot be replaced. Signing the ROE does not transfer the ownership; it simply authorizes the work to be done.