Lead & Copper Rule Revision: How the City of Archdale's Water Department is Complying

You may have received a letter containing information about unknown service line material.  This letter is required by the EPA since we don’t know the service line material for every home.  We believe Archdale does not have any lead service lines in its system. Please see the information in this document why the letter was sent out and how we are going to approach getting the service line material inventory. 

Notice sent in Water Bills

What is a Service Line?

In a water distribution system, a service line carries water from the water main (typically near or under the street) to your place of residence or business. The EPA classifies water service lines as any water line that is less than two (2”) inches in diameter. The City of Archdale owns and maintains the water service up to the meter, and the property owner owns and maintains the water service from the meter to the building. Provided below is a diagram of a typical water service line with the public and private ownership side labeled

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently altered its drinking water standards related to lead and copper. This is called the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR). The rule was enhanced to protect property owners by reducing their exposure to lead and copper. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body.

With this revision, the City of Archdale is required to maintain an inventory of the water service line materials throughout the city for any homes built in or prior to 1986.  Lead piping and lead solder were banned in 1986 and therefore, if your home was built after that date, it is not suspected to have any lead piping or lead solder joints in its construction.

The drinking water provided to residents from the City of Archdale does not contain lead. You can view the City of Archdale Water Quality Report here. However, lead can enter drinking water from lead service lines and plumbing fixtures made with lead components through the corrosion process. These materials were commonly used before 1986.  

What does this mean?

Lead service lines or plumbing may have enabled small amounts of lead from the pipes to possibly dissolve into the water.

How Are We Keeping You Safe Now?

The City of Archdale purchases water from the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority. They take proactive measures to ensure your drinking water's safety by adding a corrosive inhibitor. This creates a protective barrier between your pipes and the water, helping to maintain water quality.

How are we keeping you safe moving forward?

The City of Archdale is committed to your safety by partnering with homeowners to collect data on lead and non-lead service lines. This information will help us implement a comprehensive city-wide service line replacement plan.

Inventory of Water Service Lines

The City of Archdale must inventory and categorize drinking water service line materials for all homes within our service area built in or prior to 1986; this includes both the system-owned and customer-owned portion. The City of Archdale will be using different methods to inventory these pipes. Historical records, service line replacements, physical inspections, and help from residents. We may have to dig a small hole in your yard near the water meter to determine the piping material. 

Determining Pipe Type

You can identify the material used in your service line through a visual inspection at the point where the water service line enters your home. Find the section of plumbing that enters your home near the foundation, usually in the crawl space, or basement; there is often a valve at that location. Be careful not to confuse it with the sewer or gas line. Temporarily remove any insulation on the pipe, then you can scrape a small section of the pipe with a coin or screwdriver if it is dirty or discolored and use a strong magnet to test the pipe. Remember to replace the insulation if you removed it earlier.

•    If the scraped area is shiny and silver, your service line may be lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.

•    If the scraped area remains a dull gray, and a magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is galvanized steel.

•    If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper. A magnet will not stick.

•    The plumbing material may be plastic. In this case, it would appear to be plastic not metal, usually blue, white, or black, and of course, a magnet will not stick to it.

See the types of service lines in the image below.

If you can’t locate your service line or need assistance identifying the pipe material, please do not hesitate to contact us at 336-434-7341. The city will come to your residence at no charge and assist in identifying your service line material. 

Understanding the Problem

Lead and Your Health

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

Learn more about the Revised Lead and Copper Rule from the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) here.