Water & Sewer Lines
Understanding Water Pipe Colors in SLWSD
At St. Lucie West Services District (SLWSD), protecting our community’s water, sewer, and reclaimed water systems begins with clear identification. One of the most important tools in maintaining safe and reliable service is the color-coding of underground utility pipes. These standardized colors help our crews, contractors, and even residents quickly recognize what type of utility line is present.
SLWSD provides essential utility services to St. Lucie West residents and commercial properties, supporting daily living, community operations, and local economic activity.
We maintain 158 miles of main utility lines, which include:
- 64 miles of potable (drinking) water lines.
- 75.5 miles of sewer lines.
- 18.5 miles of reclaimed (irrigation) water lines.
Why Pipe Colors Matter
Color coding is a national safety standard that helps prevent service interruptions, cross-connections, construction accidents, and public health risks. Clear pipe identification allows our teams and contractors to:
- Avoid damaging utilities during digging or construction.
- Ensure each system (potable, sewer, reclaimed) stays properly separated.
- Respond quickly during emergencies.
- Protect drinking water quality.
- Maintain overall system integrity.
Pipe Colors Used in SLWSD
Blue = Potable (Safe Drinking) Water.
Blue pipes carry high-quality, treated drinking water for homes and businesses. Identifying potable water lines ensures:
- No accidental connection to non-potable systems.
- Repairs are performed under strict health and safety standards.
- Correct separation from sewer and irrigation lines.
Purple = Reclaimed Water (Irrigation Use Only)
Purple pipes carry reclaimed water used for irrigation throughout St. Lucie West. While safe for landscaping, reclaimed water is not for drinking.
Purple piping helps ensure:
- Clear distinction from potable water.
- Safe landscaping and irrigation practices.
- Reliable irrigation supply that reduces demand on drinking water resources.
Green = Sewer Lines (Wastewater Collection)
Green pipes are part of our sanitary sewer system, which transports wastewater to SLWSD’s treatment facilities.
Proper identification ensures:
- No risk of mixing wastewater with potable water.
- Faster location and repair of blockages or line failures.
- Protection of public health and the environment.
Why Residents Should Know Pipe Colors
Understanding pipe colors helps residents and businesses stay safe and avoid costly accidents. Knowing what’s underground can help you:
- Avoid hazards when digging for landscaping, fence installation, or construction.
- Report problems quickly by describing which pipe is affected.
- Understand service notices related to water, sewer, or irrigation systems.
- Prevent accidental misuse of reclaimed water
Call Before You Dig: Sunshine 811
Before anyone digs—whether you’re planting a tree, putting in a fence, or starting a construction project—it’s essential to contact Sunshine 811, Florida’s free utility-locating service.
What Sunshine 811 Does
When you call 811 or submit an online request, utility companies—including SLWSD—are notified to mark the underground lines on your property. This helps prevent:
- Costly damage to water, sewer, or irrigation lines.
- Serious safety hazards.
- Service outages for your neighborhood.
- Environmental and property damage.
Why It Matters
Many of SLWSD’s pipes run underground near homes, sidewalks, and landscaped areas. Knowing what’s below the surface protects both you and our infrastructure.
Always contact Sunshine 811 at least two business days before digging.
It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s required by Florida law.
Have Questions? Need to Report an Issue?
SLWSD is here to help!
If you notice a leak, break, or unusual activity around utility lines, please contact us immediately:
Telephone: (772) 340-0220 (Available 24/7)
Email: Customerservice@slwsd.org