City of Phoenix, AZ
11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 09:15
Phoenix Water Services Department Ensures Compliance with EPA's Lead and Copper Rule
The Phoenix Water Services Department is committed to safeguarding the health of its residents by complying with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) updated Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The City is working diligently to identify and mitigate any potential sources of lead in its water infrastructure, ensuring that residents continue to have access to safe and clean drinking water.
As part of theLead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the City of Phoenix is required to inventory all water service lines, focusing on those installed before 1988, when lead pipe use was restricted. The inventory will assess and categorize water service lines, including identifying those made from lead or galvanized material requiring replacement (GRR). The City submitted this comprehensive inventory of over 480,000 waterline services to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) by October 16, 2024, as per federal requirements.
Key Components of Phoenix Water's LCR Compliance:
- Proactive Field Investigations: Since 2021, Phoenix Water has conducted over 250,000 field investigations and found no evidence of lead service lines. The City remains committed to confirming the status of any service lines listed as "unknown" and ensuring the safety of its water distribution system.
- Service Line Inventory Submission: Phoenix Water submitted a complete inventory of all service lines to ADEQ in October 2024. This inventory is a critical step in the City's ongoing efforts to comply with the updated EPA requirements.
- Notification to Residents: Starting in late 2024, Phoenix residents with GRR service lines, as well as those with service lines classified as "unknown," will receive direct notifications by mail. No existing lead service lines have been found in the City of Phoenix, but notification will be provided if any are identified. The City will also launch an online resource at pipes.phoenix.gov, where residents can access information about their service line material and stay updated on the City's lead service line replacement efforts.
- Health Education and Support: The City is dedicated to educating the public on the health risks associated with lead in drinking water. All communication will include information on health effects, steps to reduce exposure, and opportunities for service line replacement.
Looking Ahead: Phoenix Water will begin replacing any service lines identified as GRR or lead through a planned replacement program starting in 2025. The City will collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to secure funding for this effort, leveraging grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support this initiative.
"As a city, we've been proactive in maintaining the highest standards for water quality. While we have found no lead service lines so far, our commitment to safety and transparency remains strong," said Troy Hayes, Director of Phoenix Water Services. "We will continue to prioritize the health of our residents as we comply with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule."
For more information on Phoenix Water's compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule and the upcoming service line replacement program, visit pipes.phoenix.gov.
RELATED LINKS:
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule
https://azdeq.gov/LeadCopperRule
Media Contacts:
Michael Gertzman
Sr. Public Information Officer
Water Services
602-534-1209
Jimena Garrison
Public Information Officer
Water Services
480-390-1933
About Phoenix Water Services:
Phoenix Water Services provides high-quality, reliable water to the City of Phoenix, serving over 1.7 million residents. The department is committed to maintaining water quality, promoting sustainability, and ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.