City of Carrollton, TX
Home MenuLead & Copper Rule Revisions
The City of Carrollton has confirmed that all City-owned water service lines are lead-free. However, the material for some service lines on private properties remains unknown.
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule
In alignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), the City of Carrollton has taken proactive steps to protect public health by ensuring safe and clean drinking water for all residents.
The revised rule, which emphasizes the identification and replacement of lead service lines, requires all water systems to create an inventory of water service lines and prioritize the removal of lead-based lines.
Water Service Line Inventory
The City of Carrollton has compiled a comprehensive water service line inventory to identify and document all water service lines within our system.
This inventory serves as a critical tool for the City to meet regulatory compliance, enhance transparency, and assist in the systematic replacement of service lines where applicable.
Water Service Line Map
(The Water Service Line Map is best viewed on a computer. )
The Water Service Line Map is an interactive map allows residents to view the material(s) of water service lines and determine if any lead-based lines are present.
- How to Read the Map
Users can search by address, and the map will display the service line material associated with each property.
What if the material for my property's water service line is marked "unknown?"
If your property's water service line material is listed as “unknown,” the City will need to conduct further investigation. You may be contacted to help identify the line material.
How Do I Check My Water Service Line?
Follow these simple steps to identify the material used on the portion of the service line you own:
- Locate Water Meter
-
Remove Water Meter Cover
(You'll need a crescent wrench and a screwdriver or a water meter key.)
After the cover is off, remove any dirt to expose your service line on the side closest to your home.
(Enlarge) - Scratch It + Stick It
(You'll need a penny and a magnet.)
Scratch the water service line gently with a penny or key (NOT a knife), and check if a magnet sticks - any magnet will do.
- Report your results to the City of Carrollton.
Check to determine what kind of service line you have:
- Scratched area is shiny silver and flakes.
- A magnet will NOT stick.
- Scratched area is copper in color, like a penny.
- A magnet will NOT stick.
- Scratched area will remain dull gray.
- A magnet WILL stick.
Health Effects of Lead
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 negative health effects.
- Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.
Get children tested to determine lead levels in their blood
A family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide information about the health effects of lead. State or county departments of health can also provide information about how a child’s blood can be tested for lead.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends public health actions when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or more.
Learn More: cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/index.html
Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure
Replacing lead or galvanized service lines
If the property owner is planning on replacing the portion of the service line on their side, notify Carrollton Building Inspection at 972-466-3225 or visit cityofcarrollton.com/buildinginspection.
972-466-3425