The City of Olean has mailed letters to residents regarding the status of their water service lines, Mayor Bill Aiello announced Monday.
These notifications are part of a required annual process to ensure transparency and compliance with state and federal regulations.
“We understand that some residents may have already provided information about their service line material or may have had their property inspected by a contractor or City staff,” Aiello said.
“As a result, you may be confused by receiving another letter. Please know that the City is required to notify all residents whose service line is either identified as lead or galvanized, or where a portion of the line remains unknown,” the letter states
Each water service line has two distinct sections:
- The city-owned portion from the water main to the curb stop (the valve located near the road). This section is owned and maintained by the City. In most cases, the material of this portion is still unknown, which is the primary reason many residents received a letter.
- Property-Owned Portion: From the curb stop to the water meter inside the home. This section is privately owned. Many residents and property owners have already notified the City of the material used here. However, if the City does not yet know the material of the city-owned portion, you will continue to receive an annual letter indicating that the status of that section remains unknown.
Aiello said, “Even if you have submitted information about your privately owned portion, or if City staff has previously inspected your property, you may still receive a notification. This is because the City must continue to inform residents annually until the material of the City-owned portion is confirmed and the entire length of the service line is identified.”
The City is committed to keeping residents informed and ensuring safe drinking water for all, the letter states. It’s part of the City’s ongoing efforts to identify and address potential risks associated with lead or galvanized service lines.
For more information or to update your service line material details, please contact the City’s Water Department at 716-376-5657 or email water@cityofolean.org.
