Austin Water Confirms City’s Drinking Water System is Free of Lead Pipes

Austin Water System Free of Lead Pipes

Austin, Texas — In a reassuring update for residents, Austin Water officials announced on Wednesday that the city’s public water system contains no lead pipes. This finding comes after a thorough inspection process that took several years and aimed to meet federal guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Long-standing Commitment to Safety

The effort to assess and ensure the safety of drinking water is part of a long-term commitment from both Austin Water and the EPA, which has worked for over five decades to eliminate lead from drinking water systems. Lead, known for its harmful effects on health, has been banned from Austin’s public pipeline infrastructure since the 1950s.

Since the 1960s, city officials have actively removed any existing lead lines found during regular maintenance and rehabilitation of water lines. This proactive approach has ensured that the majority of the city’s water infrastructure is safe for residents.

Comprehensive Review Process

The review of Austin’s water system was driven by the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, which led to a systematic evaluation of both public and private water service lines starting in 2016. After extensive work, crews confirmed last month that Austin’s public water system is clear of lead pipes. However, fewer than 1,000 galvanized lines remain on the private side of water meters, which may pose a risk of lead contamination.

Officials emphasized their commitment to assist homeowners who choose to replace these galvanized lines. According to Austin Water’s inventory map, a total of 777 galvanized lines need replacing, which is a small fraction compared to the over 257,000 non-lead lines in the city.

City Manager’s Statement

Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax expressed pride in the city’s long-standing measures against lead contamination. “I am proud of the City of Austin for being a leader in effectively banning lead in our public water infrastructure in 1954 – well before the federal ban in 1986,” he stated. “Completing this comprehensive inventory confirms that our water system is free of lead pipes. Austinites should be proud of our City’s long-standing efforts to protect health and safety.”

Federal Mandates on Lead Pipe Replacement

This announcement aligns with a recent ruling from the Biden-Harris Administration, which requires drinking water systems across the U.S. to identify and replace lead pipes within a 10-year timeframe. The EPA estimates that up to nine million homes nationwide receive their drinking water from outdated lead pipe systems, greatly affecting lower-income and non-white communities.

The updated Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will enhance testing of drinking water and lower the thresholds for communities to take action against lead. This initiative aims to significantly reduce lead exposure for all Americans.

Conclusion

As the city moves forward in its commitment to safe drinking water, officials urge residents to stay informed and consider the health and safety of their own water systems. Austin’s proactive steps ensure that residents can feel safe drinking their tap water, knowing that the infrastructure remains secure and free from lead contamination.