More information is available in the Lead and Water fact sheet.
Questions about components installed by area water systems in the early 1900s have
prompted special monitoring and investigation beyond the regulations. Occasionally we encounter lead goosenecks – a short piece of pipe that connects the service line to the main. Please see the the information below and the fact sheet
Lead Goosenecks for more information.
Prior to the late 1940s, short pieces of lead pipe (about 16” long) were sometimes used to connect the water main to customers’ service lines. These pipe segments of often took the shape of a goose’s neck, and are referred to as “lead goosenecks.” Below are a photo of a lead gooseneck and a diagram of where they are located on the service line.
Over time, the Bremerton Water utility has removed hundreds of lead goosenecks while upgrading the water system and continues to replace them when they are found. Although we believe we have removed the vast majority of these lead goosenecks, there still may be several hundred older service connections for which we do not have information. When these lines were installed, details of where lead goosenecks were used were not usually recorded. Because goosenecks are underground, usually under the street, they are difficult to verify. We are continuing to review paper records going back over 80 years, as well as our electronic records and field checks, to update our files about possible locations of lead goosenecks.
To find out if your home may have a lead gooseneck, enter your address in the box below and our current information about your water service line will be provided. In the case of water services installed before the 1950s, the City has
to rely on historical records, the accuracy of which cannot be guaranteed. The information is true to the best of the City's knowledge.
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