Lead Service Line

At Harrisonburg Public Utilities, we are following the guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency's "Lead and Copper Rule Revisions" in order to ensure the health and wellness of our community when it comes to how City water enters your home. Community members can use the resources on this page to learn about what Public Utilities is doing to ensure compliance with EPA regulations, and to help you make the best choices for yourself and your family when it comes to water infrastructure where you live.

What is a water service line, and why is it important to verify what it's made out of?

A service line connects the water main to the property. Harrisonburg Public Utilities owns the public side of the service line (from the main to the meter) and the customer owns the private side of the service line (from the meter to the building). The EPA requires the identification of the material on both sides of the meter, with the goal of reducing exposure to lead in drinking water. Identifying what your service line is made of is an easy process that you can do at home in a matter of minutes. First, click on the Lead Service Line Map below to see if we already know what your service line is made of. If the Customer Owned category for your address is listed as Unknown, please take our Water Service Line Material Survey.

FAQ

What is the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)?

In 1991, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Since 1991, the LCR has undergone various revisions. Harrisonburg continues to monitor both lead and copper on a regular schedule but EPA has increased attention towards lead service lines. In 2022, EPA announced the requirement to prepare and maintain a service line material inventory by October 16, 2024.

What does Harrisonburg Public Utilities (HPU) do to protect my household from lead?

To prevent lead from dissolving into water from lead service lines or home plumbing, HPU adjusts the water’s chemistry at the treatment plant. This process is known as corrosion control. Water providers sample water at homes considered to be high risk in order to ensure the corrosion control remains effective. Although corrosion control can reduce risks, the best way to assure your home is safe from lead exposure through water is to remove the potential sources of lead.

How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead is almost never present when water flows from the treatment facility, nor is it present in the water mains running beneath the streets. However, in some older homes lead may be present in the pipe connecting the home to the water system – known as a service line -- or in the home plumbing. Lead in service pipes or plumbing can dissolve or break off into water and end up at the tap.

Who owns the service line?

Service lines are owned by HPU up to the customer’s meter, and the rest of the line (from the meter to the house) is privately owned by the property owner. The EPA requires the identification of both portions of the service line.

How can I identify my service line material?

If your house was built or the service line was replaced after 1978, your service line is likely not lead. In order to identify the privately owned portion, a customer must go through the steps outlined in the "Survey" Tab or hire a licensed plumber to help. Submitting the form to identify the privately owned portion will prompt HPU to do an inspection in the meter box and identify the public service line material as well.

Contact info:

Phone: 540-434-9959
Email: waterleadsafe@harrisonburgva.gov
2155 Beery Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22801