Lead Service Line Program

lead and copper rule

Background

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1991 to control the levels of lead and copper in drinking water. It aims to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. The rule requires water systems to monitor and manage lead and copper levels through:

• Sampling: Regular testing of drinking water to detect lead and copper concentrations.
• Corrosion Control: Implementation of treatment techniques to minimize corrosion of pipes, which can leach these metals into the water supply.
• Public Awareness: Utilities must inform consumers about lead levels and actions taken to reduce risks.

The rule has undergone updates to strengthen protections, especially following high-profile water crises, such as Flint, Michigan, which highlighted the risks associated with lead contamination. The Michigan Lead and Copper Rule, enacted in 2018, builds on the federal LCR by introducing more stringent requirements for lead service line replacements and public notification.

Michigan Lead and Copper Rule

The Michigan Lead and Copper Rule is a regulatory framework aimed at reducing lead and copper levels in drinking water. Key aspects include:

1. Lead Service Line Replacement: Utilities are required to identify and replace lead service lines, with a focus on prioritizing areas with higher risk.
2. Testing Requirements: Water systems must conduct regular testing for lead and copper levels, using specific protocols to ensure accuracy.
3. Public Notification: Residents must be informed about lead levels in their drinking water and the measures being taken to mitigate risks.
4. Preventive Measures: Utilities must implement corrosion control measures to protect water quality and minimize lead and copper leaching from pipes.

Overall, the rule aims to enhance public health protection and ensure safe drinking water across Michigan.

Marshall lead service line information

Inventory Requirements

The Michigan Lead and Copper Rule requires water utilities to develop and maintain a detailed inventory of lead service lines (LSLs) and other plumbing materials that could contribute to lead and copper exposure. Key elements of the Michigan LCR inventory requirements include:

• Comprehensive Inventory: Utilities must identify and document all lead service lines within their systems, including those that are partially lead and galvanized pipes that may be affected by lead.
• Material Identification: Each service line must be categorized based on its material (lead, copper, plastic, etc.), and utilities must gather data about the age and condition of the infrastructure.
• Public Access: Utilities are required to make the inventory publicly accessible, allowing residents to check if their service lines contain lead.
• Risk Prioritization: The inventory helps prioritize lead service line replacements, focusing on areas with the highest risk to public health.
• Ongoing Updates: Utilities must regularly update their inventories to reflect any changes, such as new replacements or repairs, ensuring accurate and current data.

These requirements are aimed at protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water by systematically addressing lead contamination risks.

System Wide Summary

A summary of the service line inventory submitted by the City to EGLE under the LCR is below. The comprehensive inventory, accessible under the section above, identifies each property by address and service line material at 3 locations: the private side, the public side, and the connection of the public side to the watermain (gooseneck). 

Notifications

Under the regulations the City is required to notify homeowners if they have confirmed lead service line OR if the status of their service line is unknown. Notifications to residents and property owners will be mailed to the addresses on file for utility billing (residents) or property taxes (owners).