Lead and Copper
In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. The most common source of lead in drinking water is the wearing away of materials containing lead in household plumbing (lead leaching from corrosion), including pipes made of lead, pipes joined with lead-based solder or galvanized iron pipes that have absorbed lead materials. As of 1989, lead service lines were banned in the United States.
The city of Glendale has been monitoring lead and copper in homes in accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) since 1992, has been compliant with the LCR and has not exceeded the regulatory action levels for either lead or copper.
The requirements of the LCRR include:
- Identifying areas most affected through a service line inventory.
- Strengthening treatment requirements.
- Improving risk communication.
Service lines are defined as the pipe that connects from the water main to the inlet of the building or home, including privately and publicly owned sections. The service line inventory consists of all service lines within the distribution system, including those serving landscapes and residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Glendale does not have records of any known public lead service lines.
Components of LCRR
Glendale Water Services is required to field-verify and maintain an inventory of service line materials for properties served by Glendale Water Services.
Between April and September 2024, Glendale Water Services staff visually inspected over 22,000 service lines throughout Glendale. The visual inspections involve identifying the service line material type at the water meter box and at the hose bib near the home or structure.
Despite extensive field work, Glendale staff were unable to confirm the service line material type at several locations. The link below is an interactive map that allows you to discover the service line material at your address.
If you would like Glendale Water Services to confirm your service line does not contain lead, City staff will inspect the service line at no charge to you. Please contact us at 623-930-4100 or waterservices@glendaleaz.com to perform the verification as soon as possible. Field verification may include potholing, or digging, within 18 inches of the foundation of your home to uncover the pipe. The excavated area would be less than 12 inches, or 1 foot, wide. If the service line material at your address is unknown, Glendale Water Services may reach out to you in the future to inform you of plans to complete this verification.
Review Service Line Records
Review Service Line Records (Completed)
Glendale completed an extensive records review, identifying the service line material for over 30,000 pipes. The service line materials identified were copper (98%), PVC (Less than 1%), other non-lead (Less than 2%), The inventory identified no lead pipes and no galvanized pipes so far.
Perform Field Inspections (Completed)
Glendale initiated field inspections during the 2nd quarter of 2024. Glendale Water Services will continue to perform field inspections until all service line materials are identified.
Share Service Lines Results
Results of the service line verification are available on the interactive map at Lead Service Line Inventory. Customers will be notified if their service line material is lead, galvanized, or unknown.
Resources
Lead can enter the drinking water because of corrosion of materials in household plumbing containing lead. These materials include pipes made of lead or lead-based solder, brass and chrome-plated brass faucets. Water service lines, which connect between the water meter box and the building or home, also could be made of lead. Glendale does not have any publicly-owned lead service lines and is currently evaluating private service line materials.
Review resources from the Environmental Protection Agency to learn more about lead exposure in drinking water and methods to reduce or prevent lead from seeping into the drinking water.
The Arizona Department of Health Services provides a list of certified laboratories for water testing.
Sampling Activities
Lead and Copper Drinking Water Study
Every year, the Glendale Municipal Water System asks customers to take part in the Lead and Copper Drinking Water Study. We are currently seeking customers who live in homes built between 1982-1989. You may be contacted, via telephone, by a water services employee, asking if you are willing to participate. Testing is voluntary and free of charge. You will not be asked to buy anything.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to provide the Glendale Water Quality Laboratory with a tap water sample—between June and September. The City will deliver all necessary items and arrange for the sample to be picked up at your home. Sampling instructions are provided and the filled water bottle along with the completed information form can be placed outside the front door for contactless pickup.
Participation in this study allows the City to ensure that the water supplied by the Glendale Municipal Water System meets the EPA requirements for lead and copper. The City of Glendale’s water is non-corrosive and the results are not expected to show any elevated levels of lead or copper.
This monitoring program is part of a broad range of city programs designed to assure customers the highest-quality drinking water, which complies with all aspects of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
If you would like to participate in this testing or have any questions regarding this testing, please do not hesitate to call the City of Glendale Water Quality Laboratory at 623-930-3897.
Sampling Schools and Child Care Facilities
Schools and licensed day care centers in the city's water service area may request water sampling by contacting Glendale Water Services at 623-930-3897.