CHRISTIANSBURG – The Town of Christiansburg has launched a new initiative called the Service Line Discovery Program to proactively address the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The LCRR requires all utilities with water distribution systems in the U.S. to develop a service line material inventory and make it publicly available. The deadline for the inventory submission is Oct. 16, 2024.
There are currently no known lead service lines in the town’s distribution system. Virginia plumbing code prohibited the use of lead as a water service line material in 1979, making the likelihood of finding lead piping low. The water quality in Christiansburg consistently exceeds state and federal regulatory standards.
While records do not show any known lead service lines in the town’s system, there are some service lines that have unknown materials. The town is actively working to verify unknown service lines through a thorough records review and field verifications for inclusion in the inventory.
Also, according to information released by the county, Montgomery County’s water quality continuously exceeds federal and state standards and lead levels are well below regulatory requirements per consistent and ongoing water sample testing.
Water provided to Montgomery County PSA customers is safe to drink. The water is also safe bathe in.
At this time, service line inventory records show there are no known lead service lines in the towns’ or county’s water system. Lead service lines have been prohibited in Virginia plumbing code since 1979. As of July 1, 2024, Montgomery County has 3,398 active PSA water customers. PSA staff members are currently compiling an inventory of lines and have verified 1,466 lead-free lines (as of July 1, 2024).
The PSA has 1,932 lines left to be confirmed as lead-free. On the inventory list, these remaining 1,932 water lines are referred to as “unknowns.” Staff is working to assess these remaining lines and anticipate completion of this project by the October 16, 2024, deadline.
A service line is the underground pipe that connects a home to the public water main, delivering water to faucets, taps, bathtubs, and other water fixtures. It can typically be seen where it enters a home in the basement or crawl space. The service line is divided into two portions: the utility-owned side up to the water meter and the customer-owned section from the water meter to the home.
“Our commitment to water quality and public safety underlies our commitment to the Service Line Discovery Program and complying with these new federal regulations,” said Christiansburg Public Works Director Jim Lancianese. “While we don’t anticipate finding lead service lines in our distribution system, we are carrying out a thorough verification process to confirm the absence of lead.”
Customers will generally not be impacted by the Service Line Discovery Program; however, property owners with an unknown service line may receive communications notifying them of a service line verification taking place on their property, outside near the water meter. Customers do not have to be home for the inspection, and there will be minimal disturbance to private property.
“The Service Line Discovery Program is a proactive step to address the EPA revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule,” said Lancianese. “The town’s goal is to ensure transparency and maintain our water quality by developing a comprehensive service line material inventory.”
The Service Line Discovery Program webpage includes resources for Christiansburg customers who want to learn more, including frequently asked questions and information about the LCRR. Results of the service line inventory will be posted on the webpage as the program progresses.
The program webpage can be found at www.Christiansburg.org/SLDiscovery. For further questions, customers can email Justin Shepherd at jshepherd@christiansburg.org, or call at 540-382-1151 ex.6017.
Town of Christiansburg/ Montgomery County
