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Water Service Line Inventory
What is a service line inventory?
A service line inventory is an EPA-mandated requirement for every water system to compile a list of all service line materials going from the water main into the building, as part of EPA’s new Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Each community is responsible for collecting this data by way of historical record analysis and visual inspection of the service line. The initial service line inventory is required to be submitted to EPA by October 16, 2024.
This federal requirement is aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of our water infrastructure. It is part of our commitment to ensuring the highest standards in water quality and compliance with national regulations.
- What is lead?
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Lead is a naturally occurring metallic element found in air, soil, and water. It was historically used in gasoline, paint, ceramics, batteries, and plumbing because it is pliable and resists leaks. Lead’s symbol, Pb, comes from the Latin word for plumbing. While lead is still found in some products, it has been banned from plumbing materials since 1986 under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act. The definition of "lead-free" was tightened in 2014, reducing allowable lead content to a maximum of 0.25% for pipes and fixtures.
- Why is lead a health risk?
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Lead is highly toxic, even in small amounts. Long-term exposure can lead to brain and kidney damage, blood disorders, and developmental problems, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Children are more vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause central and peripheral nervous system damage, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells. For infants consuming formula mixed with contaminated water, the EPA estimates that drinking water can contribute 40-60% of their lead exposure.
- How does lead get into drinking water?
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Lead is typically not present in water when it leaves the treatment facility or in water mains. However, it can enter drinking water through lead service lines or household plumbing, especially in homes built before 1988. Lead can leach into water or break off into particles when service lines or plumbing contain lead materials.
- How much lead in water is too much?
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No level of lead is considered safe for consumption, as it can accumulate in the body over time. Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children are at greater risk for the harmful effects of lead at even low levels. It is recommended to take steps to eliminate or reduce exposure wherever possible.
- How can I find out if my water contains lead?
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Lead in drinking water is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. The only way to know for sure is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Contact City of Lampasas or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made of lead. When lead service lines are present, they represent the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water.
- What can I do to protect myself from lead?
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- Use your filter properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter.
- Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
- Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water from the tap can contain higher levels of lead. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
- Learn if you have a lead service line. Find out if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead. Ask your water utility or if your utility does not have information a licensed plumber may be able to assist.
- Learn about construction in your neighborhood. If you have a lead service line, you should be aware of any nearby construction or maintenance work that could disturb the line. Ground tremors from construction may suddenly cause more lead to be released from a lead service line in the area.
- Have your water tested. Contact your water utility to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.
- What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
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On October 8th, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
- What should I do if lead is found in my plumbing?
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- Flush the line. Run cold water for several minutes after any disruption or work on your pipes.
- Consider Replacement. If you have a lead service line or plumbing, it is recommended that you replace it, particularly if you have pregnant women or young children in the home.
- Use Filters. Until the plumbing is replaced, use a certified water filter to remove lead.
- Is it safe to shower in water containing lead?
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Yes, lead is not absorbed through the skin, so bathing or showering in water containing lead does not pose a health risk.