The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) is a federal regulation aimed to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years to protect public health.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- 806-378-3000
- leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov
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Lead Water Service Line Inventory & Federal Compliance
Healthy Water, Healthy Amarillo: Understanding the Lead and Copper Rule Overview
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) is a federal regulation aimed to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years to protect public health. The City of Amarillo is complying with this requirement by developing an ongoing inventory of all service lines connected to the water system and identifying their materials.
Water service lines are made up of public and private sections. The city is responsible for identifying the whole service line (both public and private) up to the point of entry (POE). All plumbing from the point of entry throughout the home is not a part of this program.
All water service lines are in the process of being examined by the city to determine the material of which they are made. Since there was a state-wide lead ban in 1988, service lines installed after Jan. 1, 1989, can default to non-lead. Lines that have not been onsite examined are categorized as Unknown. By 2027, all Unknown lines will be evaluated and categorized as:
- Non-lead (PEX, PVC, and Poly)
- Galvanized — Requiring replacement (they may have been connected to lead lines in the past and replacing them ensures safety)
- Lead — Requiring replacement
Water Service Line Notification
The initial inventory of water lines is posted below as of October 16, 2024. Direct notifications will be mailed to all homes, posted by November 15. The notification will note the property’s categorization as Unknown, Galvanized, or Lead. This notification will be provided yearly until the entire service line to the address is no longer Lead, Galvanized or Unknown status.
Your Service Line Assessment
Click on the map below to view service line findings for Amarillo properties. The interactive map will be updated continuously as crews identify and categorize each line.
Enter your address in the “Find address or place” search bar. You can also use the zoom and cursor functions to locate your property.
The circle icon on the property will let you know the current classification. The left half of the icon represents the city’s side of the line, and the right half of the icon indicates the categorization of the private property owner’s side. Use the map’s Legend to see the current categorization.
Information in the inventory is based on the best available information at this time. If you believe your service line has been incorrectly categorized or if you are planning to replace your portion of a water service line, contact the Water Utilities department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.
What steps should I take if my water line is identified as Lead or Galvanized?
If your water service line has been identified as being Lead or Galvanized (risk of lead), recommendations include:
- Review the explanation of health effects of lead.
- Take steps to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.
- Property owners can take steps to replace water lines (contact Water Utilities to coordinate replacement)
- If you believe your service line has been incorrectly categorized or if you are planning to replace your portion of a water service line, contact the Water Utilities department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.
What You Can Do to Reduce Lead Exposure
- Use a Certified Lead-Removing Filter: Follow installation and maintenance instructions and replace cartridges as directed.
- Clean Your Faucet Aerator: Regularly clean the aerator to remove sediment and particles that may contain lead.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can dissolve lead more easily.
- Run Your Water: If water has been sitting in the pipes, flush the tap for a few moments before use. The time needed will depend on your plumbing and whether you have a lead service line.
For more information, refer to the links below for EPA resources on lead filters and home filtration tips.
Additional Lead Resources
◼ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Drinking Water
◼ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Ground Water and Drinking Water
◼ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead Service Line Replacement
The City of Amarillo is developing a water line replacement plan and will complete that plan by end of October 2027.
Program Funding/Costs
The funding or costs to the city and private property owners will be determined as the replacement program is developed.
What should I do if I have further questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions, you can contact the City of Amarillo’s Water Utilities Department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.
Lead Line (LCRI) FAQs
Why is it important to know the material of my water service line?
Lead and galvanized steel lines can leach harmful metals into your drinking water, posing serious health risks.
How will the City of Amarillo determine my water service line material?
Until a service line is inspected, the line will be categorized as “Unknown”. The city is currently in the field working to inspect and categorize service lines as non-lead — no replacement needed, galvanized requiring replacement or lead requiring replacement.
Who is categorizing the service lines?
City crews are now conducting inspections wearing bright yellow safety vests in marked city vehicles with city identification.
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, negatively affecting their health. Lead can come from many sources such as air, water, soil, consumer products, food and occupational settings.
Lead can enter drinking water when pipes and plumbing fixtures that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is one where a portion or the entire line is made of lead. Homes with lead service lines face an increased risk of exposure to lead in drinking water.
What does "Galvanized Requiring Replacement" mean?
“Galvanized Requiring Replacement” refers to service lines made from galvanized material that may have absorbed lead from upstream lead lines. People living in homes with these lines may also have an increased risk of lead exposure.
What does "Unknown (may contain lead)" signify?
This designation indicates that a portion or the entire service line material is unknown and could potentially be lead or galvanized requiring replacement. City crews will identify all lines by end of October 2027.
How will the city notify residents about lead service line replacements?
Residents will receive a notification 45 days before the public portion of the service line is replaced, including information on lead exposure risks and available filtration options.
What are the health risks associated with lead exposure?
Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including reduced IQ and attention problems in children and increased risks of heart disease and kidney problems in adults.
How can I reduce my exposure to lead in drinking water?
You can reduce lead exposure by using certified filters, cleaning your faucet’s aerator, using only cold water for cooking and drinking and running your tap for a few moments before use.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions, you can contact the City of Amarillo’s Water Utilities Department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.