The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken measures to build upon the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and the pre-2021 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), and now finalized in October 2024 the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to lead through drinking water.

One of the focuses of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) is on Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR) water service lines that have historically been downstream of a lead service line. In cases where a water system is unable to show that a galvanized service line was never been downstream of a lead service line, it must presume there was an upstream lead line service and classify that line as GRR. As a safety measure, service lines will need to be replaced. It is important to note that having galvanized pipes doesn’t mean there is lead in the water. 

Yes. You are able to view a map with information regarding your line. You can view the map of Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR) water service lines at the top of the page: mylubbock.us/grr and click on the GRR map. or CLICK HERE

You can also email: WaterEducation@mylubbock.us or call 806-775-3836 if you have any questions on your service line material.  

The water leaving the two Lubbock water treatment plants does not contain lead. The water leaving the plants is clean, high quality and safe to drink. Our water is tested for more than 100 substances and is monitored throughout the year to ensure that it meets the rigorous standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). To learn on how our water is treated visit: mylubbock.us/waterqualityreport

If you are concerned about the water entering your portion of the galvanized service line, please call 806-775-3836 or email watereducation@mylubbock.us to have your water tested.  

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects.” Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems. To learn more about health effects, visit: epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-and-copper-rule-improvements

We will continue to communicate with you throughout the process of the new law. We are currently developing a program to offer you assistance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tentatively kicks off this project in late 2027 with it ending in 2037. If you do plan on replacing your service line, notify Water Utilities at 806-775-3836, so we can update our records which are reported annually to the state. 

You may reach Water Utilities by either email at WaterEducation@mylubbock.us or call 806-775-3836.

The customer is responsible for their private service line.

Lead exposure is preventable, here are the most effective ways to reduce exposure:

•  Flush your tap. The risk of lead contamination in water increases when water sits in pipes for several hours. You can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. You can use the flushed water for washing dishes, watering plants, or general cleaning.
• Filter your water. Use a water filter that is certified for lead removal. Many filters and filter systems can improve water quality and taste in other ways too. Certified Filters that Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
• Use cold tap water for drinking and preparing food.
• Clean faucet aerators and flush cold water taps regularly. Aerators can collect particles from lead plumbing and should be removed and cleaned on a regular basis. It is especially important after household plumbing work and repairs. After removing the aerator, flush the cold water lines for 5 minutes.

We will provide a one-time EPA approved pitcher and six months of filters, upon request: WaterEducation@mylubbock.us. For more information on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR) Water Service Lines, visit: epa.gov or tceq.texas.gov.