Lead and Copper Rule Revision
For Immediate Release – March 15, 2024
Lead and Copper Rule Revision
Media Contacts:
Josh Whittington, Utilities Director – 843-665-3236 or jwhittington@cityofflorence.com
FLORENCE, SC – The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently enacted drinking water standards related to lead and copper. The Lead and Copper Rule Revision aims to enhance protection of property owners by reducing their exposure to these harmful substances as lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body.
The drinking water provided to customers by the City of Florence does not contain lead. However, in homes built before 1986, when lead service lines and plumbing fixtures made with lead components were common, lead can enter residents' drinking water through the corrosion process.
As part of the new regulations, the City of Florence is required to inventory the water service lines and the type of materials used (lead, galvanized pipe, non-lead or unknown). The water service line is the pipe that connects the residence to the City's water main in the street (see attached picture.)
The City of Florence Utility Crews will be excavating in customer’s yards on the city side and the customer side of the water meter to survey what type of material is used per the EPA LCRR (Lead and Copper Rule Revision). The EPA requires that every water service line be evaluated, and the line type documented by our City Crew.
When on site, the crew will dig an approximately 1-foot diameter hole on each side of the water meter to visually inspect the pipes. The city will be compiling this information for an inventory that must be submitted to the EPA and SCDHEC. The city will complete the system inventory no later than October 16th, 2024 at which time the results will be made available online to the public. Water services with documented lead-free lines (PVC, etc.) will not be excavated.
If you have any questions concerning this notice, please call the City of Florence at (843) 665-3236.
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