In May of 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The rule requires all utility services to create an inventory of utility and private service water lines by October 16, 2024.
This mandate affects all utility (public and private) services throughout the country. According to the EPA, the goal of this program is to identify and protect against lead exposure in the United States.
As a result, the Montgomery County Public Service Authority (PSA) has implemented the Service Line Inventory Project in response to the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).
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.
The verification process for each water line consists of evaluating the lines at the water source. In a situation where lead is found, a replacement plan would be coordinated with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
To learn more about the Montgomery County PSA Service Line Inventory Project, visit
montva.com/1/news/psa-service-line-inventory-project