City of Colonial Heights Update: Information Regarding Water Service Line Notification Letters
- A water service line is the pipe that provides water to the water meter at a property and the pipe that runs from the water meter to the residence or business.
- The City was required by the federal government to identify whether water service lines in the City contain lead.
- The City surveyed a randomized selection of properties and found no lead service lines.
- However, some lines were identified as galvanized service lines. The City is required to put out a notice if galvanized lines are found unless there is enough documentation to ensure that a lead service line did not provide water to a galvanized line in the past.
- The notice letter that some citizens will receive includes information that the City is required to provide. It does not mean that the specific service line for that residence is lead or that it may have previously been connected to a lead service line. Instead, the notice is to inform citizens that the material of their water service line is either galvanized or unknown.
- Citizens are not being singled out in receiving this notice. Due to federal government requirements, many citizens are receiving a notification letter.
- The City conducts City-wide water tests at various locations on a frequent basis. These tests have met regulatory standards for water quality.
- Citizens are not required to take any action from the notice. Please see information at the online resource listed below (Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead) for information on other steps you can take.
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead
The letter required to be sent to many citizens also has additional information about health effects of lead and other steps that can be taken.
- The City will be undertaking a program to review and identify the status of unknown water service lines in the City.
Should you require any additional information or assistance, please feel free to reach out to the City at 804-520-9245 or email to waterserviceline@colonialheightsva.gov
Links
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead Information
EPA's Lead and Copper Program
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Lead and Copper Information
