To comply with the LCRR, the City is performing vacuum excavations on private properties and has randomly selected customers in the Greensboro service area to receive the Vacuum Excavation Letter with the City's Right-of-Entry QR code (ROE). This letter asks customers to allow a City contractor to perform a test on their private water service line. This test is the least-invasive method for identifying water-service line pipe material.
The City is fully committed to complying with the EPAs regulations and intends to cover the replacement cost of all water service lines classified as lead from the water main to the customer’s building.
You can assist us by doing the following:
- If you received a letter requesting vacuum excavation, we strongly encourage you to call 336- 373-2527 or email Mario Edouard to schedule a time to sign the ROE at your home, place of work within City limits, or at Water Resources offices at 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St.
- If you did not receive a letter but would like the City to identify your water service line material and your building was constructed before 1986, please call 336-373-2527 or email Edouard to see if your property meets additional requirements.
Once the ROE is signed, the respective utility companies will mark yards with spray paint or flags to indicate the location of utilities. Shortly after that, the City's contractor arrives to start the test, which will confirm both the customer's and City's water pipe material.
The excavation begins with a small hole dug about five feet from a customer's water meter on their property. Another hole will be dug in the City’s right-of-way. Contractors will restore the dig site to its previous condition as much as possible (example below).
Vacuum Excavation Explained Video
Examples of Vacuum Excavation
Example of Before Vacuum Excavation
Example of After Vacuum Excavation
Who was asked to participate? The selection of water service lines for vacuum excavation or physical verification is random. In other words, all unknown service lines within the system should have an equal chance of selection for verification. The subset of service lines selected represent all of the unknowns within the distribution system.
The subset of service lines selected were based on the following:
- Year of construction
- Parcel information
- Nearest water main or hydrant data
- Meter data from the customer or one nearby
- Historic replacement or other work order records
- Census data
How will I know if I’ve been selected? You will know if you receive a specific right-of-entry (ROE) letter in the mail.
How do I participate? If you receive a specific right-of-entry letter in the mail, please call 336-373-2527 or email Mario Edouard to schedule a time to sign the ROE at your home, place of work within City limits, or the Water Resources Department at 2602 S. Elm-Eugene St.
Once the ROE is signed, the respective utility companies will mark yards with spray paint or flags to indicate the location of utilities. Shortly after that, the City's contractor arrives to start the test, which will confirm both the customer's and City's water pipe material.
The excavation begins with a small hole dug about five feet from a customer's water meter on their property. Another hole will be dug in the City’s right-of-way. Contractors will restore the dig sites to its previous condition as much as possible.
Your participation is a crucial component of our Lead and Copper Compliance Program. Knowing what materials water service lines are made of helps Water Resources inventory those lines and identify potential risks of lead exposure.
