GENERAL INFORMATION:

What are service lines?

•  Service lines are small-diameter water pipes that connect a public water system to a home or building.

Who owns the service lines at my property?

• Ownership of service lines is split between the City and individual property owners. The City owns what is called the public service line (the portion that extends from the water main to the water meter), the water meter, and a small portion of the service line (less than two feet, known as the pigtail) that runs past the water meter. Property owners own the remaining portion of the line, known as the private service line, which extends from the end of the public line to the point where it enters their home or building, as well as all indoor plumbing.
  
  Private water service lines are installed by the builder. City crews work only on public lines. A licensed plumber can help with private water lines.
  
  (For demonstration purposes only and not to scale. Graphic represents a typical scenario for a property but does not represent all scenarios. Individual service lines may differ in length and connection to property.)
  

Does the public service line go beyond the water meter?

• Yes. There is a small portion of pipe that goes beyond the water meter, and it is called the pigtail. The pigtail is the City’s responsibility to maintain. The pigtail is generally copper, plastic or galvanized steel and can vary in length. Typically, the pigtail runs 18-24 inches beyond the water meter until it connects to the private service line.

How long will it take the City to verify all of the unverified service lines?

• While the City will continue to work toward identifying unverified service lines as information becomes available, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all lead service lines and galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) service lines to be verified before the end of 2037.

Does Oklahoma City have lead in its water supply?

• No. The water treated and delivered from our two treatment plants does not contain lead. Additionally, no large pipes (water mains) within the City’s water distribution system contain lead.

How does lead get into drinking water?

• Lead is typically only detected in water that has traveled through lead service lines, galvanized lines downstream from lead lines, or copper lines with lead solder, lead joints or lead fittings. Over time, lines can corrode, allowing small amounts of lead to leach into the water. OKC water quality staff help protect customers by reducing the risk of lead exposure using a corrosion inhibitor.

Where can I learn more about the City’s compliance with drinking water regulations?

• The City’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report, known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), includes important information about the quality and safety of the City’s drinking water. The 2023 report shows that the drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State standards. The CCR offers a detailed overview of the sources of the City’s drinking water, the substances it contains and much more. Required by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the EPA, the report is released annually by July 1 and reflects data for the year prior.

Who can I contact if I have specific questions?

• For specific questions related to a service address, email leadsafe@okc.gov.

HOMES AND BUSINESSES:

Will I receive a letter from the City about the service lines at my property?

• As part of the inventory effort, and in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the City will send notification letters to Utilities customers if the public and/or private service line material at their property has been verified as lead or galvanized steel requiring replacement.
• Customers where service line material remains unverified will also receive a notification letter.
• The letters will help customers understand the status of the service lines their property is served by and guidelines for any necessary next steps. Letters will be mailed to customers by the EPA deadline of November 15.
• Customers will not receive a notification letter if the public and private service lines at their property have been verified as non-lead.

Can I replace my private lead or GRR service line?

• Yes, as under Oklahoma law, and the City’s Municipal Code, the property owner is responsible for the private side of the service line.
  
  Please contact the Utilities Department by emailing leadsafe@okc.gov if you plan to replace the private service line so that we can update our inventory accordingly and provide you with important resources regarding essential steps to take after a service line is replaced.
  
  When replacing your plumbing and water fixtures, look for products that are NSF certified and bear the NSF mark. It certifies the product meets new lead-free requirements.

When will the City replace the public service line at my property?

• In compliance with the LCRR, the City is currently developing a service line replacement plan to be published by the EPA deadline of late 2027. The timeline of public service line replacements has yet to be determined. When finalized, the City’s plan will provide for the replacement of every public service line identified as lead. As of October 2024, that number is 173, which is equivalent to .07% of the roughly 254,000 service accounts within the inventory. The plan will be published online at okc.gov/utilities. When line replacement is scheduled for a property, advance notice will be given to the Utilities account owner (customer) associated with the service address.

HEALTH & PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:

What are the health 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 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.
  
  For more information, visit the EPA’s website.

Is it safe to drink water from service lines identified as lead or GRR? 

• The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. As part of the City’s treatment process, we take steps to reduce the potential for material in lead and galvanized lines to leach into drinking water, including using corrosion inhibitors. Oklahoma City’s drinking water meets all Federal and State safe drinking water standards, which include those set forth by the EPA.
  
  However, there are additional steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your exposure to lead, which are listed on our website as well as the EPA’s website.