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City warns residents about unsolicited water-test kits and service-line warranty mailings
Summary
City Manager Robin told council members that residents have been receiving unsolicited water-test kits and mailings about service-line warranties; staff cautioned these are marketing efforts not promoted by the city and clarified the warranty program’s limits regarding lead-line replacement.
City Manager Robin told the council that residents have been receiving unsolicited water-test kits and mailings about water service-line warranties and warned the public these are marketing efforts not promoted by the city.
Robin said the water-test kits are “a marketing thing” intended to sell water-softening equipment and that the city is not promoting them. She cautioned that the testing service may not follow EPA protocols and could present information residents find alarming.
Separately, Robin said residents may receive mailings about a service-line warranty program that uses the City of Aberdeen logo in marketing; she said the program is not actively promoted by the city but that it is permitted to market locally. She said about 780 people are currently signed up for the warranty program and clarified the warranty will not pay to replace a lead service line solely because of its material unless the company deems the line leaking and in need of replacement.
Why it matters: Residents should be aware which mailings are official city programs and which are third-party marketing; replacement of utility laterals and lead-service-line issues have cost and health implications.
What residents can do: City staff suggested residents contact city offices for clarification before purchasing privately marketed warranties or relying on unsolicited test results.
