CFPUA's Service Line Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated its Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), which includes steps utilities such as CFPUA must take to keep lead out of customers’ drinking water.

The updated rule requires utilities to inventory the materials of all water service lines, which are the pipes that connect water mains to customers’ homes and businesses. CFPUA completed its service line inventory in 2024 and it is now available online.

CFPUA will also be replacing certain older service lines, at NO cost to our customers.

What is a water service line?

A water service line is the pipe that connects the public water main to your home or business. Part of the line is owned by CFPUA, and part of it is owned by the private property owner.

What is the Lead and Copper Rule?

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is the primary regulation for lead and copper in drinking water in the United States. The rule was recently updated to require drinking water providers to survey all service lines in their systems and create inventories of the materials composition of all service lines by October 2024. Certain older service lines also must be replaced.

Are there lead pipes or service lines in CFPUA’s system?

No lead service lines have been found anywhere in CFPUA system.

However, some older galvanized lines were identified. These galvanized lines are likely to have a connector made of lead called a “gooseneck.” CFPUA is replacing all of these older galvanized lines at no cost to the customer.

How does CFPUA keep lead out of drinking water?

CFPUA effectively treats all drinking water distributed to customers for lead and copper.

The most common way lead may contaminate drinking water is if it leaches from private plumbing in homes and businesses or some old service lines. To prevent leaching, CFPUA has a system-wide corrosion control treatment program that has been in place for decades. Orthophosphate, which is approved as an additive by the Food and Drug Administration, is added to CFPUA’s drinking water before it is distributed to customers. Orthophosphate forms a coating on pipes to help keep lead from leaching out of plumbing fixtures and into your water.

The LCR requires water systems such as CFPUA to periodically test water sampled at homes of potentially susceptible customers. CFPUA’s results show we consistently meet EPA’s compliance requirements, which is strong evidence that our corrosion-control program is working as intended.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAD?

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. Potential health impacts include damage to the brain and kidneys and interference with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.

The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. During pregnancy, the child can receive lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could also show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities.

Health risks in adults for lead exposure over many years include kidney problems or high blood pressure. Adults with existing kidney problems and high blood pressure can also be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead builds up in the bones and it can be released into the body later in life.