Commonwealth Engineers Inc., assisting the city of Rochester in a lead inspection program for water service lines, shares this map outlining the work area in red. The initiative involves locating and inspecting water service lines in high-risk areas to identify the presence of lead. Each blue dot within the work area represents a service line to be inspected. Graphic provided
Commonwealth Engineers Inc. is assisting the city of Rochester in a lead inspection program for water service lines.
That includes the need to enter residents’ houses in a certain part of town later this spring. That area is roughly from 1st Street south to 18th Street and three or four blocks east and west of Main Street.
In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirement to ensure all public water service lines are free of any lead material, the city is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The initiative involves locating and inspecting water service lines in high-risk areas to identify the presence of lead, safeguarding communities against potential health hazards.
Key components of the inspection program include Locating meter pits and curb stops, identifying the pipe’s route from pit to main line and pit to home.
To facilitate these inspections, Commonwealth will require access to residential properties. Specifically, homeowners are requested to allow access to inspect the water service line entry point and assess the material and plumbing layout. This is essential for the planned replacement of the water service supply line from meter into home up to and including the existing shut-off valve or similar components, ensuring the integrity and safety of the water distribution system.
This project will allow the city to apply for grant funding for service line improvement work and provide qualifying homeowners free replacement of their service lines from the meter pit/curb stop to shut off valve (in their home). The service line from the meter into the home is owned by the homeowner. Without taking advantage of programs such as this, the homeowner runs the risk of being liable for the full cost of a future replacement.
The city encourages everyone to take maximum advantage of this program while the funding and opportunity are available.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community’s water supply,” Water Department Superintendent Derrick Holloway said. “By proactively inspecting water service lines for lead, we aim to mitigate potential risks and protect public health.”
Homeowners in a specific service area will be asked to schedule inspections. Affected property owners will receive a notice on their front door at the end of May which will include contact information and instructions on scheduling. To see the service area or schedule the inspection, visit commonwealthengineers.com/rochester-lead-service -line-field-work-2024/.
For more information, contact the water department by calling 574-223-3412 or emailing water@rochester.in.us.
©2025 The Sentinel Corporation