Lead & Copper FAQs
Is there lead in my water?
Lead does not occur naturally in water. Lead in water is caused by corrosion of older pipes, plumbing fixtures, and faucets installed prior to 1986. Lead pipe was banned in 1986 by Congress under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Does HCWA test for lead in water?
As required, we have been testing for lead in our water since 1992 and have not had any violations. The water that leaves our plants is lead-free and a polyphosphate is added to the water that contains phosphoric acid (the same thing put in soda) that creates a protective coating on the inside of the pipes to prevent corrosion. We meet all requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule and report our findings annually in our Water Quality Report.
What is the Lead and Copper rule?
In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. Revisions to the rule in 2021 require water utilities to provide an inventory of all of the service lines, both water utility-owned (public) and customer-owned (private) by October 16, 2024. More information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule.
What are service lines and who owns them?
The utility owns the portion of service line that runs from the water main (large pipe underground by the road) to the water meter. The portion of service line that runs from the meter to a home/building is privately owned by the customer.
How do you determine that the service line is not lead?
The use of lead pipe was banned in 1986. HCWA used tax records to determine the year that homes were built prior to 1990. For these homes and any unknown locations, the staff is using historical data and field identification approved by the Environmental Protection Division to confirm non-lead pipes.
If my service line is not lead, does this mean I don’t have it inside of my home?
We are not able to confirm the material of your interior plumbing. You can check your interior pipes with a penny (or key) and a magnet. If the pipe is lead, it will shine bright silver when scratched, and a magnet will not stick to it. Detailed instructions for testing your pipes are on EPA’s website here.
What are the health concerns?
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.
Why was I not notified before?
Our annual reports are always available on our website at www.hcwa.com. EPA mandates that all regulatory test results be published annually in the Water Quality Report.
What is Henry County Water Authority’s plan to comply with the rule?
Based on the age of our system and our records, we know that we do not have any lead pipe to replace in our public distribution system. We are currently in the process of identifying over 70,000 private service lines to determine their material, using historical records and field verification. Per the Lead and Copper Rule, utilities have until 2038 to identify all service lines.
How do I know if my private service line is lead?
To determine the type of pipe at your location, you can look up your address on our website at www.hcwa.com. If your pipe material is considered unknown, testing information will be available. Please call our Administrative Office at 770-957-6659.
Is my water safe to drink?
Your water is tested hourly by state-certified water professionals before distribution to your home to confirm it meets safe drinking standards. HCWA meets all regulatory requirements. Our current and historical water quality reports are available on our website at www.hcwa.com.
What are the next steps in the Lead and Copper Rule?
The Henry County Water Authority will create a schedule for lead testing inside the schools and daycares as required starting in 2027, and report the findings to the school administrator.
For more information about lead in drinking water, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.
How to Protect from Lead
It is the shared responsibility of Henry County Water Authority and property owners to protect from lead in drinking water. As required by the Lead and Copper Rule, Henry County Water Authority is in the process of creating an inventory of all of our service lines. This database will be available for the public to view by the deadline of October 16, 2024.
As always, it is our priority to ensure the safety of drinking water for our residents.
How do I know if I have lead pipes inside or outside my home?
EPA.GOV - Protect Your Tap - Quick Check
Is there lead in my water?
EPA.GOV - Information about lead in drinking water
How do I test for lead in my water?
EPA.GOV Protect your tap - A quick check for lead
How to reduce lead in drinking water?