2022 WATER QUALITY REPORT page 5
LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORIES UNDERWAY NATIONWIDE
In late 2022 , the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency updated guidelines for lead and copper monitoring by public drinking water providers throughout the country .
The new guidelines are known as the Lead and Copper Rule Revision ( LCRR ). Currently , Arlington Water Utilities records do not indicate any lead service lines in the portion of the water distribution system owned by the City . However , to achieve compliance with the LCRR , Arlington Water Utilities must verify whether lead materials are in any city-owned water service lines and create an inventory of that information by October 2024 . The City must also create a similar inventory of the privately-owned water service lines , or pipes , which run from the water meter to the entrance to the home or business .
To learn more about this process , visit the Arlington Water Utilities webpage at ArlingtonTX . gov / Water and click on the Drinking Water Quality Questions tab .
If present , elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems , especially for pregnant women and young children . Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing . The City of Arlington Water Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water , but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components . When your water has been sitting for several hours unused , you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking .
If you are concerned about lead in your water , you may wish to have your water tested . Information on lead in drinking water , testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at EPA . gov / Safewater / Lead
SUBSTANCES EXPECTED TO BE IN DRINKING WATER
The City of Arlington and the State of Texas both analyze your drinking water . Any regulated substances that were detected during the last year are shown in Table A on page 2 , and all are well below the established maximum contaminant levels . All water dissolves substances from the ground as it flows over and through it .
Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture , urban storm water runoff or residential uses .
Radioactive substances that are naturally occurring .
Substances that may be present in raw water include :
Microbes such as viruses and bacteria that come from septic systems , agricultural livestock operations and wildlife .
Salts and metals that can be naturally occurring or the result of urban storm water runoff , industrial or domestic wastewater discharges or farming .
Organic chemical substances including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals that are byproducts of industrial processes and can also come from gas stations and urban stormwater runoff .
Contaminants may be found in drinking water that could cause taste , color , or odor problems but are not necessarily causes for health concerns . For more information , please call Laboratory Services at 817-575-8984 .