Identifying Lead Service Lines

The EPA recently published the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which includes significant changes to the current Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The LCRR aims to protect communities from lead exposure in drinking water. To comply with the new rules, the Town of Firestone began a community-wide project to identify what every service line (e.g., pipe that brings water to your home) in our system is made of. Lines can be made of lead, plastic, brass, steel, or iron. Lead pipes are the primary source of lead in drinking water. Identifying which lines are lead is an important step to removing this source of lead from our community. All public water systems are required to comply with the LCRR starting October 16, 2024. 

How is the service line material data being gathered?

In September 2023, we began identifying customer service line material types. To do so, a contractor was hired to review existing records. 

A percentage of private service lines in the Historic Firestone neighborhood cannot be identified based on existing records. These lines were all built before 1988. Because of this, beginning next Monday, August 5, 2024, Town Staff will begin contacting some homes in that neighborhood to participate in the data gathering, which will occur over the next four weeks.  

Data gathering will require additional field investigations, including meter pit inspections and potholing small test pits to examine service lines. All inspection potholes will be returned to pre-inspection condition. Homeowners will be notified with a door hanger within 72 hours of work beginning.  

What Happens Next? 

Once the service line inventory is complete, all information gathered will be sent to CDPHE for compliance. The information provided will indicate what verification process was used, what pipe material was discovered (PVC, Copper, Lead, etc.), and whether or not the findings require the service line to be replaced. The Town of Firestone will also make all information available to the residents through multiple forms of communication.

For more information on this project and contact information, please visit https://www.firestoneco.gov/1838/Service-Line-Inventory-Project.