Revised Lead and Copper Rule

Revised Lead and Copper Rule

Overview

Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) is committed to providing customers with water that meets all state and federal drinking water standards. With more than 500 highly qualified employees, our expert team at Golden State Water includes scientists and engineers whose top priority is protecting the quality of your water supply.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recently revised the Lead and Copper Rule, requiring all water providers to develop a comprehensive inventory of their water service lines. While Golden State Water has records of the company-owned service lines, there is little information available about the customer-owned portions. 

Golden State Water is required to conduct an inventory of lead and copper pipes located on their customers’ property. Generally, this evaluation and inventory can be conducted by visually inspecting the customer’s meter box. As the rules require, Golden State Water must complete the initial inventory process before October 2024.Starting in April of 2023, Golden State Water will begin to identify customer-owned service line materials and has selected a number of service lines to inspect.

FAQ

When were lead pipes used?

It is common for homes built before 1986 to contain lead water pipes and fittings.

What is a water service line?

A water service line is a line that carries water from the main GSWC pipes in the streets to your home or building. 

What is the Lead and Copper Rule?

  • In 1991, the EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water known as the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR).
  • The LCR has undergone many revisions since it was introduced, that can be found here.

How do I know if I have a lead service line? 

  • If Golden State Water identifies lead pipes on your property, customers will be notified within 30 -days of their lead status; whether it exists or its status has not been determined.
  • To help identify if you have a lead service line, customers can use this helpful quiz.

How do I report inventory on my pipes?

Help Golden State Water identify whether your property has a lead service line by filling out a questionnaire here.

Is my water meeting all state and federal drinking water standards? 

GSWC would like to assure customers that we monitor and test regularly to ensure the water we deliver meets all state and federal drinking water standards, including those for lead and copper as found in the Revised Lead and Copper Rule.

Who owns the water service line on my property?

Golden State Water owns the service line from the main in the street to the meter box and the property owner owns the service line from the meter box to their home or building foundation.

How will the revised Lead and Copper Rule impact Golden State Water customers? 

The Revised Lead and Copper rule aims to enhance drinking water safety and quality for all Golden State Water customers. Golden State Water doesn’t have any lead service lines on its side, so retrofitting existing service lines that could affect water service is unlikely. Golden State Water employees may need to work near your water meter box to identify the material composition of customer-side service lines. Golden State Water will notify you if we plan to work around your meter box.

How can I learn more? 

Customers seeking additional information are encouraged to click here for resources published by the USEPA, click here for information from the American Water Works Association, or contact Golden State Water at 800-999-4033.