The City of Amarillo has announced plans to conduct comprehensive onsite inspections of all water lines connected to the city's water system by 2027, ensuring compliance with updated federal regulations aimed at eliminating lead contamination in drinking water.
In November 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRI), followed by the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) in December 2023. These regulations, recently approved by the White House in October 2024, mandate nationwide inspections and replacements of lead and certain galvanized water lines to improve water safety and public health.
Amarillo city officials confirmed that all water lines connected to the city's system are in the process of being inspected, with an initial inventory of water lines already released to the public. Notifications detailing the status of each home’s water line will be mailed by November 15, 2024. The inventory includes an interactive map showing the status of water lines across the city, available online for residents to view.
Three Categories for Water Lines
The notifications sent to homeowners will categorize their water lines into three groups:
Unknown – Water lines in this category are those installed before the federal Lead Ban of January 1989, which have not yet been inspected.
Galvanized and Requiring Replacement – This includes certain galvanized pipes that, under the LCRI, must be replaced.
Lead – Water lines identified as containing lead, which must be replaced under the new regulations.
The city has emphasized that the majority of Amarillo's water lines currently fall under the "Unknown" category, as they predate the 1989 ban. These lines will be prioritized for inspection by October 2027.
Federal Requirements for Lead Line Replacement
Under the LCRI, which applies to municipalities nationwide, all lead service lines and certain galvanized lines must be replaced within 10 years, with limited exceptions. This sweeping effort aims to eliminate lead exposure, which can pose significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. In addition to mandatory line replacements, the updated rules also include provisions for improved sampling procedures in homes with lead service lines, a lowered action level for lead, and enhanced public education on water safety.
"Ensuring that all water lines connected to the City of Amarillo water system meet or exceed federal safety standards is a top priority," said Floyd Hartman, Assistant City Manager of Amarillo. "The LCRI is a nationwide requirement, and we are committed to following these new guidelines to ensure the safety of our residents' drinking water."
Inspection Process and Community Impact
City officials noted that water service lines are a combination of public and private infrastructure. The city is responsible for inspecting the entire service line from the water main (on the public side) to the water meter and the connection to the residence (on the private side). The inspections will generally take place within the meter box, though in some instances, city crews may need to dig small holes to verify the materials of water lines on the private side. These holes will be promptly covered once the inspection is complete, ensuring no disruption to the property.
City representatives reassured residents that the inspections will not affect water supply or water quality, and no interruptions to water service are expected.
What Residents Can Expect Next
Homeowners who receive notifications of an "Unknown" status for their water lines will be informed that the city plans to inspect their lines by October 2027. The city is encouraging residents to refer to the interactive map for updates on the status of water lines in their area.
"Public safety is our top concern," said Hartman. "These inspections are part of a broader effort to protect residents from the potential dangers of lead in drinking water and to comply with new federal standards that aim to safeguard public health."
