Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) Information
BPUB is working to identify customer-owned water service lines containing lead material as part of a new program required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you've received a letter from us, we need your help identifying the type of pipe that brings water to your home. This is important for ensuring the safety of your drinking water.
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Why check for lead?
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a regulation designed to limit the levels of lead and copper in public water systems. Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, especially for children and pregnant women. The rule requires water systems to identify and replace lead pipes and take steps to reduce exposure if action levels are exceeded.
Understanding Your Role
Your water service line consists of two parts:
- Public Portion (BPUB-Owned): BPUB owns this section, which runs from the water main to your property line.
- Private Portion (Customer Service Line): This section extends from your property line into your home. It is owned by you.
We need your assistance specifically for the private portion of the service line.
Water Service Line Inventory
If our records identify your home as having an UNKNOWN service line material, it means we couldn't determine the type of pipe that supplies water to your home, and it's possible it could contain lead.
Use our interactive map to look up the service line material for your home or business.
Is BPUB water safe to drink?
Lead exposure poses significant health risks, especially for young children and individuals with underlying health conditions.
BPUB's plumbing system is 95% lead-free, with 5% of materials still under investigation. We conduct thousands of tests annually to ensure the water reaching your home or business is safe and reliable.
Note: This information pertains to verifying plumbing materials, not water quality. For water quality results, please refer to the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) under the Residential Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring section.
Steps to Reduce Lead in Water
Here are some easy ways to help keep lead out of your drinking water:
- Flush Your Water: Run water for a few minutes after periods of inactivity to clear out lead.
- Clean Aerators: Regularly clean faucet screens to remove trapped sediment and lead particles.
- Check Plumbing Materials: Investigate and replace any plumbing components containing lead.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula preparation.
- Avoid Boiling Water: Boiling does not remove lead from water.
- Filter Your Water: Use an ANSI-certified filter designed to remove lead.
Got questions about the Lead and Copper Rule
Call us with questions regarding our lead service line inventory or verify your service line material.