Water Service Line Material Inventory

The City of North Augusta is implementing a Water Service Line Material Inventory in compliance with regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a recent ruling to reduce the risk of lead in drinking water. The EPA requires all water systems in the United States to verify the material of every water service line in their water distribution system. The EPA also requires the city to report the customers’ privately owned water service line material.

The City's drinking water meets all Environmental Protection Agency and South Carolina Department of Environmental Control drinking water quality standards. We are committed to providing clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to all residents and businesses.

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 banned the use of lead pipes in water plumbing systems. Homes and commercial buildings built before 1987 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. If your home was built after 1987 with a new water connection, you can be confident that you do not have a lead service line.

The City of North Augusta is requesting, customers to complete an online survey to report the water service line material in their home or commercial building.

What is a service line?
A water service line has two components, private and city-owned. The city-owned service line, maintained by the city, is the section of pipe between the water main and the water meter. The private service line, maintained by the property owners, is the section of pipe that connects the meter to the home or commercial building plumbing system.

How does lead get into drinking water?
The City’s water does not contain any lead when it leaves the water treatment facility, and the water mains that distribute water throughout the City are not made of lead. The risk for lead comes from water service lines and other plumbing materials made with lead.

Water Service Line Material Survey

To complete the water service line material survey please complete the following steps:

Step 1
Your water service line is typically located near your main shut-off valve, in the basement, a crawl space, or garage. It is likely made of plastic, copper, galvanized or lead. Find an area to test on the pipe where it connects to your plumbing system.

Step 2
If your pipe is metal, use a refrigerator-type magnet to see if it sticks to the pipe. If it sticks, the pipe is made of galvanized steel. If the magnet does not stick, use a coin to scratch the pipe. If the scratch is copper-colored like a penny, the pipe is copper. The service line is made of lead if the scratched area is shiny and silver.

Step 3
Compare your pipe to the list below:

Pipe Selection

Step 4

How to Reduce Lead Exposure

How to Reduce Exposure to Lead

The best way to eliminate risks of lead in water is to completely replace all sources of lead. However, there are also steps you can take now to reduce lead levels in your water. We strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

Run the tap Before Use – Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in a lead pipe for several hours. Clear the water from your pipes by running the cold water for 2-3 minutes before using. This allows you to draw fresh water from the City’s main.

Clean Faucet Aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly clean them out.

Use Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking – Hot water may dissolve lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in the water.

Filter the Water – Many home water filters are effective at removing lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust and has been used by people for thousands of years. Due to lead being soft and malleable, it has been useful for a variety of different industries. While lead has its uses, it’s important to be mindful of where it can be found, as consuming even small amounts of lead can be harmful.

Where can lead be found?

Homes built before 1978 might have paint with lead in it. It’s especially crucial to be cautious if you’re renovating an older house, as when this paint peals and cracks, it makes lead dust.

Sometimes, lead can get into drinking water if it flows through lead pipes or plumbing fixtures made with lead. This is why it’s essential to know what your water pipes are made of.
In some places, the soil might have lead in it, often from older paint or leaded gasoline that was once used in cars.
People who work in certain jobs, like construct5ion, battery manufacturing, or stained glass work, might come in contact with lead.
Some products such as toys or jewelry, especially from other countries, might contain leads. This is why it’s crucial to be aware of what’s in the things we use.

What is the City of North Augusta doing to monitor lead?

The City of North Augusta would like to assure its customers that lead sampling is in place. The City as required by EPA test consumers taps for lead and is full compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. As of 2023, the City was well below the EPA lead action level of 15 parts per billion.

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North Augusta, SC

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