The Grinnell Water Department has been working on a Lead Service Line Inventory to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Lead and Copper Rule. The purpose of the inventory is to document the number of lead-containing service lines in communities across America. Although it has not been mandated, it has been indicated that the EPA’s ultimate goal is the replacement of all lead service lines.

Lead service lines have the potential to contaminate a home’s water supply. No amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe. The Grinnell Water Department carefully monitors the pH of your water and add a corrosion control product to create a coating on the inside of pipes and services. This keeps harmful contaminants from making their way into the water from lead pipes. In addition to controlling water chemistry to keep consumers safe, we also amended City Code 90.11 to prohibit the repair of lead service lines. This is because when lead lines are repaired the corrosion inhibiting coating inside the line is disturbed and can cause lead to get into the water.

In the next few months, we expect to hear from the EPA regarding the timeline for lead service line replacement. Until then, we will continue to work on the Service Line Inventory and also plan for possible service line projects.

You can help the Water Department with the inventory by completing our Service Line Material Survey by September 30th.