In a move that signals a strong commitment to public health, the City of Houston is stepping up efforts to ensure clean, lead-free drinking water for all its residents. As part of a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Houston is on a mission to identify and replace lead pipes, putting it at the forefront of cities working to meet the new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). With a ticking 10-year deadline, Houston is rallying resources, technology, and community participation to tackle this crucial task head-on.

Houston Public Works Leads the Charge

Houston Public Works is taking the lead—quite literally—by working to pinpoint what materials are used in both the city's water service lines and private customer connections. For those wondering what a "private service line" is, think of it as the pipe that links your home or business directly to the city's main water line. While Houston Public Works is confident that no lead pipes have been found so far in city-owned lines, the same cannot be said for private service lines, which may be made of lead or galvanized materials that were once connected to lead.

In the words of a city spokesperson, “Just because we haven’t found lead in the city’s lines doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. The unknown poses its own risks.”

For Houstonians, the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water, though low, is still a potential threat—especially in older homes where lead pipes may lurk beneath the surface. And Houston Public Works isn’t taking any chances. In fact, over 429,000 customers are expected to receive notices in their water bills by November 15, 2024, informing them if their water service lines are made of “unknown materials.” That’s a polite way of saying, "We have no idea what’s down there, but we need to find out!"

In a bid to speed up the process, Houston Public Works is calling on residents to lend a hand—or, more accurately, a camera. Customers are encouraged to follow simple, step-by-step instructions on the city's website and submit photos of their water service lines. The hope is that these images will help fill in the blanks and enable the city to identify any lingering lead risks faster.

“Houston may be known for its rapid growth, but we need to make sure our infrastructure grows safely alongside it. We want to keep the lead out of our water, and it takes a community effort to make that happen,” the city notes.

For those who miss the memo—or don’t feel like playing amateur plumber—the city may follow up with additional testing, including its “test hole program,” which sounds exactly like something you don’t want under your lawn. But, hey, better safe than sorry!

New Tools for a Safe Future

To ensure transparency and empower residents, Houston Public Works has created a water service line inventory map. By simply typing in their address, Houstonians can now view current records about the materials used in their water service line. While mobile users might want to switch to full-screen mode for better visibility, this tool is a game-changer for anyone concerned about the safety of their drinking water.

And for those interested in reducing the risks of lead exposure, Houston Public Works has pulled together expert tips and guidelines from top sources like the EPA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). From flushing your tap water before use to installing certified filters, there are plenty of steps residents can take today to protect their families.

A Water-Safe Houston: We All Play a Role

While Houston hasn’t yet found lead in its water service lines, the city’s proactive approach is setting a new standard for public safety and community involvement. With an eye toward future-proofing our infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of every Houstonian, the city is determined to keep our water flowing clean and lead-free.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to check your water service line materials by visiting the city's website, follow the reporting steps, and stay informed. After all, ensuring a safer, healthier Houston is a job for all of us.

Visit https://bit.ly/HouLeadResources for more information and make sure your household is part of the solution.