Metro Water Services in Nashville has started dispatching letters to residents who may have lead service lines, following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated guidelines on lead and copper in drinking water. This proactive measure aims to inform the community and ensure compliance with the latest federal regulations.
The EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule Improvements mandates a 10-year deadline for the complete replacement of lead service lines across the country. This updated rule also lowered the “lead action level” that triggers mandatory interventions, from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. Lead contamination in drinking water primarily originates from service pipes, posing significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women, as there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Metro Water Services Nashville issues lead pipe notifications due to updated EPA regulations.
Metro Water Services emphasizes that Nashville’s drinking water is safe and of high quality. “Regulatory compliance and the health of our customers is the highest priority for Metro Water Services, and the quality and safety of Nashville’s drinking water has not changed,” the department stated. “In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, MWS has taken multiple actions to better protect communities from lead in drinking water and improve communication.” Regular monitoring confirms that water leaving the treatment plants is lead-free. However, lead can be picked up as water travels through older service lines made of lead. Recent tests in 2022 showed lead levels at 1 ppb, significantly below the EPA action level, demonstrating consistently low lead content in Nashville’s water supply.
To enhance transparency and provide residents with detailed information, Metro Water Services has developed an interactive online map. Utilizing records dating back to 1904, construction documents, and customer surveys, the map visually represents water lines with color-coded dots. Each dot indicates the material composition of both Metro Water’s portion of the service line and the customer’s portion. This tool is continuously updated as more data is analyzed and further customer surveys are completed. Residents can access this map to check the material of their service lines and understand potential lead risks.
The notification letters are being sent to customers identified as having lead service lines, lines made of unknown materials, or galvanized lines slated for replacement. These letters provide crucial information regarding the risks associated with lead exposure, potential sources of lead in drinking water, and the health effects of lead. Importantly, the notices also outline practical steps residents can take to minimize their exposure to lead in drinking water.
Under the new EPA guidelines, Metro Water Services has until 2037 to replace all identified lead and galvanized service lines that require replacement. This long-term project underscores Metro Water’s commitment to upgrading Nashville’s water infrastructure and ensuring the continued delivery of safe and clean drinking water to all its customers. Residents receiving a notification from Metro Water Services are encouraged to carefully review the information provided and utilize the resources offered by the department to understand and mitigate any potential risks associated with lead service lines.
