• What is a water service lateral?
  A water service lateral is a pipe that feeds water to your house. While often made of copper, it may also be made of lead or galvanized steel, which are no longer recommended due to health and durability concerns.
• Why does my water service need to be replaced?
  The City replaces all portions of the water service in the public right-of-way as part of replacing the water main to reduce the need to cut into the new street for future repairs. If the remaining piping (from the right-of-way to the home) is found to be  lead or galvanized steel, replacement of those materials with copper or HDPE (a type of plastic) is required by the current City ordinance (click here for ordinance) to ensure safe drinking water and to prevent breaks.
• How do I determine the material of my water service?
  It can be determined by one of the following methods: 1) a self-identification survey which can be found here (https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/fa87595e0ad44e4aba95e0bb60f6c750), 2) contact the City of Evansville Water department for a site visit, or 3) contact Town & Country Engineering for a site visit.
• Who is responsible for replacing the water service?
  The City is responsible for replacing the water service from the water main to the curb stop (shut-off valve). The property owner is responsible for replacing the service from the curb stop to the house.
• What should I do if I need to replace my private water service lateral?
  Homeowners can hire a private plumber or pick from a list of contractors that have performed similar work on past projects. If replacing a lead or galvanized steel lateral, the City has allowed costs to be added to the final assessment if completed during the construction year.
• Is financial assistance available?
  In the past, the City received grant funding through Wisconsin DNR to offset some of the private costs. Since that time the program has changed and the City is not eligible for grant funding. Currently the City does offer financing assistance, allowing residents to pay for the private piping replacement over time and at a below market interest rate. (Financial assistance form will be available to download May 1st)
• What happens if I don’t replace my private lead or galvanized steel water service line?
  Current City Ordinance 126-191 (click here for ordinance) requires that known private lead or galvanized steel water service lines be replaced within 90 days of notice. If the lines are not replaced, the City may be forced to shut off water to the property.

Are there other resources available to learn more about lead and galvanized water service laterals?
Click the links below for additional information:

• https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-service-lines
• https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/lead.html
• https://evansvillewi.gov/services_by_department/municipal_utility/water_quality_form.php

• Will sidewalks and curbs be replaced during construction?
  Yes, some sidewalks and curbs will be replaced. Sidewalks marked in pink paint indicate which sections will be reconstructed.
• What should I do if I have landscaping, sprinklers, or an invisible fence near the sidewalk?
  It is advised to relocate these items before construction to avoid damage. The City is not able to reimburse costs for repairs to these items.
• Who pays for curb & gutter and sidewalk replacements?
  Per City policy, 50% of the cost is assessed to adjacent properties. A preliminary assessment hearing will be held to review the policy and provide cost estimates. Driveway replacements required for the project are fully assessed to each respective property owner.

• When will utility work be completed?
  Most utility work will be completed prior to the fall, along with the first layer of asphalt. The final layer of asphalt will be added the following year to address any settlement issues.
• Will I lose water service during construction?
  Yes, water shutoffs of 2 to 4 hours will occur at least twice during the project. Affected residents will be notified 24 hours in advance. In addition, emergency outages may occur if the existing main breaks.
• Will my water service lateral be replaced?
  Yes, laterals will be replaced from the water main to the property line. Ordinance requires homeowners to replace the lateral on private property if it is lead or galvanized.
• Will I lose sewer service during construction?
  No, because sewer is provided via gravity piping, you can continue to use sewer (sinks, laundry, showers, tubs, and toilets) throughout the project.
• Will my sewer service lateral be replaced?
  Yes, laterals will be replaced from the main to the property line. If the remaining lateral pipe (beyond the property line) is observed to have cracks, roots, debris buildup, or other problems, the construction staff will notify you. Problematic laterals can be repaired at the homeowner’s discretion.

• Will garbage and recycling pick-up continue during construction?
  Yes, but garbage containers must be placed at the curb by 5 a.m. or set out the night before. If access is blocked, the contractor will move the containers to a nearby intersection and return them. Garbage containers should be temporarily labeled to ensure they are returned to their rightful owner.
• Will emergency vehicle access be maintained?
  Yes, emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.
• Will mail service be affected?
  Mail delivery may be temporarily relocated to intersections if required by the Postmaster.

• Will I be able to drive on my street during construction?
  Street access will be limited, and alternate routes are encouraged. Temporary “No Parking” signs may be placed in the area. Alternate parking is also available on side streets.
• Will I have access to my driveway?
  The contractor will maintain access as much as possible. However, temporary closures may be necessary during the workday, but access will be available again by the end of the day, except during concrete pours. Residents will be notified before any driveway closures.
• How long does new concrete take to cure?
  Concrete takes about one week to become strong enough for vehicle use. During the curing period, no vehicle access across concrete will be allowed. Please let us know if you or a neighbor has mobility concerns that require alternate accommodations.

• Will damaged lawns be restored?
  Yes, damaged areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. Specialty landscaping, bricks, or other items will generally not be replaced.
• What should I do to care for newly seeded areas?
  Lightly water the seed daily until the grass is established, then switch to heavier but less frequent watering. Mow vegetation at 4 to 6-inch height to minimize weed emergence.