Monitoring lead in water is nothing new and at the same time vitally important. In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), which included tap-water monitoring, water quality regulations, and industry trends to protect the public from consuming lead and high levels of copper.

While these regulations apply to new plumbing installation and repairs, they historically did not address existing water service lines installed or repaired before 1986, when the Safe Drinking Water Act prohibited using any pipe, plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux in public water systems that are more likely to have some lead plumbing. 

In 2021, the EPA revised the LCR, creating the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR), which addressed existing water pipes installed before 1986. The LCRR directed all public utilities in the US to inventory water service lines extending from water mains to each customer’s home or business. This better protects communities from exposure to lead in drinking water and ensures lead is not found in the country's water-service lines. 

In 2023, the EPA improved the LCRR by developing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvement (LCRI). These improvements outline lead pipe identification and replacement with public utilities and improved sampling requirements.  

Learn more from these EPA resources. 

Lead and Copper Rule Revision Timeline

Note: No Lead Drinking Water Test have tested positive for lead, nor have any lead service lines been identified during the City’s field investigations. 

For years, the City's water testing has shown the water is safe and meets or surpasses all state and federal water quality standards. This includes testing for lead to ensure water is safe to drink. The City's underground water mains under do not contain lead, and the City has no known lead service lines leading from mains to meters. The City's water distribution system is in full compliance with EPA's current regulations. 

Read the City's Water System and Drinking Water Quality - Consumer Confidence Report.

To get your City drinking water tested, call 336-373-7527 or email us.

To request specifically a Lead Test Kit complete the Drinking Water Test Request Form.

Lead water pipes may still exist in the City's system, particularly on private property with older homes and businesses. Of the City's approximately 112,000 water service lines, 30,000 lines were installed in the 1980s after North Carolina banned lead in service lines. 

To verify if and where lead service lines exist on private property, the Water Resources Department has launched a voluntary online Lead & Copper Program Survey (En español) with easy-to-follow instructions to identify your service line material. Follow the steps provided and report your findings. If you discover lead or potential lead, follow these steps. (En español).

Questions? Check out our FAQs.

Have your water tested.

Note: No buildings have tested positive for Lead for during the City’s field investigations.

In 1986, new regulations prohibited the use of any lead pipe, plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux in public water systems. However, existing water service lines installed or repaired before 1986 have the potential for some or all of the service line be made of lead or galvanized pipe previously connected to lead. 

If your building existed before 1986 and you have not replaced your service line and would like to request a lead test kit complete the online Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) Drinking Water Test Request Form. Questions? Email us or call the laboratory at 336-373-7527.

Alternatively, you may contact a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead present.

Read the City's Water System and Drinking Water Quality - Consumer Confidence Report. 

For information on sources of lead, including service lines and interior plumbing, visit this EPA Web page.

The service line up to your property boundary is maintained by the City. The rest of the service line running into your home or business is private and the property owner's responsibility. See below for an example of a standard water service line.