Under new regulations established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all public water systems, including the District, are required to identify the pipe material of privately-owned water service lines. To comply with the regulations, the District is requesting that customers inspect the water service lines that enter your residence or business and report those results via the District’s Service Line Survey Form.
Program Overview
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to reduce exposure to lead and copper in water. In 2023, the EPA proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) intended to reduce public exposure to lead. Under the LCRI, water utility companies must assemble lead service line inventory for customer-owned service lines and produce an annual lead service line notification.
While the District’s water and pipes are lead-free, it is possible that privately-owned water service lines (after the meter) and interior plumbing fixtures may contain lead, particularly if the structure was built before 1986. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
The District encourages all of its customers with private side lead-containing service lines to replace them.
Property Self-Inspection
Click here for a Lead Service Line Property Inspection Guide, including how to find where the service line enters your home or business and how to determine whether the line contains lead.
Self-Inspection Reporting
Please submit the results of your property inspection via the District’s online Service Line Survey Form, available here: www.goletawater.com/lslsurveyform.
For more information on the Lead Service Line Inventory Program, send an email to LSL@goletawater.com and a District employee will respond within two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to reduce exposure to lead and copper in water. In 2023, the EPA proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) intended to reduce public exposure to lead. Under the LCRI, water utility companies must assemble lead service line inventory for customer-owned service lines and produce an annual lead service line notification.
While the District’s water and pipes are lead-free, it is possible that privately-owned water service lines (after the meter) and interior plumbing fixtures may contain lead, particularly if the structure was built before 1986. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Why do I have to test my service line?
Under the new regulations, all public water systems, including the District, are required to identify the pipe material of privately-owned water service lines. To comply with the regulations, the District is requesting that customers inspect the water service lines that enter your residence or business and report those results via the Service Line Survey Form.
What is a service line?
A water service line is a small pipe that brings water from water mains in the streets into homes and other buildings. If any part of the line is lead, it can release lead into your drinking water.
How do I find out if I have a lead service line?
Click the following link to view the District’s Property Inspection Guide. If you are unable to conduct the self-inspection, District staff can visit your property during regular business hours to perform the exterior inspection of pipe material where the service line enters the building.
How do I report the results of my home inspection?
Submit the results of your home inspection via the District’s online Service Line Survey Form, available here: www.goletawater.com/lslsurveyform.
What is Lead? How does lead get into my water?
Lead is a natural element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Lead can enter drinking water when the water touches materials that have lead, including private service lines that connect your house to the water meter and lead pipes in your home, as well as plumbing fixtures such as brass faucets or chrome-plated brass faucets. Goleta Water District has determined that all District-owned service lines are lead-free.
What are the health effects of lead?
Anyone can suffer health effects from lead exposure, but particularly children younger than six years old. Because their bodies are still growing, children tend to absorb more lead than adults. Health effects may include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth, and learning difficulties. For more information about health effects of lead, visit https://www.epa.gov/lead/what-are-some-health-effects-lead.
If I have a lead service line, should I replace it?
The District encourages all of its customers with private side lead-containing service lines and plumbing fixtures to replace them. More information about potential EPA funding for lead service line replacement can be found at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/identifying-funding-sources-lead-service-line-replacement
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information, send an email to LSL@goletawater.com. A District employee will respond to your email within two business days.
