Lead and Copper
Safe and reliable water - new EPA rules for lead
In a nationwide effort to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now requires that all water providers take an inventory of water service line material and make this information publicly available as of October 16, 2024. This national effort is part of the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR).
Mesa currently meets all water quality standards for the Lead and Copper Rule. However, lead can contaminate drinking water when there are materials containing lead in household plumbing and fixtures. These materials may include lead pipes or lead-based solder used to join pipe fittings and chrome-plated brass faucets.
All materials in Mesa's water distribution system are well documented, and there are no lead containing service lines connecting water mains in the street to customer meters. However, with the recent revisions to the EPA's regulations, we have been gathering information about all water service line material for homes and businesses built before 1989.
What is a service line?
A service line is an underground pipe that connects the water main to a property's plumbing system. Service line materials can fall into one of four material categories:
- Lead - A dull, silver-gray color that is easily scratched with a coin. A strong magnet will not cling to lead pipes. Lead pipes are a major source of water contamination.
- Galvanized - A dull, silver gray color. Magnets will typically cling to galvanized pipes. Lead particles can attach to the surface of galvanized pipes. Over time these particles can enter your drinking water, causing elevated lead levels.
- Other - Copper or plastic. Copper is the color of a penny. Plastic is white, rigid and joined to the water supply piping with a clamp.
- Unknown - Unidentifiable material, but may be lead.
Mesa uses multiple techniques recommended by the EPA to accurately account for service lines on the customer's side of the meter including visual inspection of the lines in meter boxes and reviewing historical plumbing plans and codes to determine construction materials.
What you need to know
- Water provided by Mesa continues to be safe, clean, reliable and meets more than 100 state and federal drinking water standards. You can learn more about your water quality and the most recent lead and copper sampling results in Mesa's annual water quality Consumer Confidence Report.
- If you received a letter from the City regarding your service line, please read the information carefully to determine if you have galvanized or unknown service line material. The letter includes instructions on the next steps and how to reduce lead in drinking water. If you did not receive a letter, we have identified your service line material, and no further action is needed. You can check the status of your service line by looking at the Lead Service Line Inventory Map. If you do not see your address, please call our Water Quality division at 480-644-5980.
- If there is a disruption in water service due to construction, a water main break, or other outage, we are required to issue a notice to those affected regarding potential for elevated levels of lead as a result of the disturbance caused by water shutoffs. If you are affected, you will receive a door hanger with further information and instructions on how to reduce lead exposure.
- You may see a Mesa employee sampling your service line material at your meter box at or near the gate valve at your house or business. The employee will be wearing a Mesa uniform and driving a truck with the City of Mesa logo. A door hanger will be left at your property to notify you that a sampling inspection of your service line occurred.
- In the unlikely event that you have lead containing material in your water service line, we will follow up with you to discuss your options for line replacement and how to reduce lead exposure.
- Mesa will sample 20% of schools and licensed child care facilities for lead in drinking water each year staring in 2025. All elementary and licensed child care facilities will be sampled at least once by October 2029.
Heath effects of lead
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 worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.
Review resources from the EPA to learn more about lead exposure in drinking water and methods to reduce or prevent lead exposure.