New Federal Lead-in-Water Regulations Require Kentucky Residents to Assess Plumbing Materials

Lexington, Ky. – New federal regulations aimed at improving lead-in-water standards have been enacted, marking the most significant reform in this area in nearly 30 years. Under these guidelines, all water systems are required to compile an initial inventory of water service lines, identifying whether they contain lead, galvanized materials, or if their status is unknown. This information must be communicated to customers and state officials.

One initiative to fulfill these requirements is the customer service line material map implemented by Kentucky American Water. The map reveals that a number of homes and businesses in the Lexington-Fayette Urban County area are recorded as having a “lead status unknown.” This ambiguity is often due to the age of the structures or a lack of historical records. Notably, the inventory shows that even significant public buildings, including the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Building and local courthouses, have unknown compositions in their water lines.

Kentucky American Water has confirmed the composition of about half of the 137,000 service lines in the area. The utility company is actively working to identify the material of the remaining lines. Despite substantial progress, the Kentucky Division of Water indicates that significant numbers of lead service lines still exist, especially in older neighborhoods. Historical records reveal that lead was commonly used in water service lines until the 1960s, though the state estimates that less than 2% of Kentucky American’s distribution system currently contains lead.

Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for children. It is a neurotoxin that can lead to developmental issues, stunted growth, and elevated blood pressure in adults. According to Donna McNeil, a water quality expert with over 30 years of experience, “Lead affects motor skills, thinking capabilities, and can impact various organs.” In Lexington’s oldest subdivision, aging water mains, many dating back to 1909, are being prioritized for replacement, with ongoing efforts to replace lead pipes across the service area. Kentucky American Water has a ten-year timeline to remove these hazardous materials completely.

Residents are encouraged to assess the materials of their own plumbing, particularly if their homes were built prior to 1988. McNeil stated the importance of homeowners checking the composition of their water lines, especially when main lines are replaced. “If it is lead or galvanized material, the risks are significantly higher if not all sections are replaced simultaneously,” she added.

To assist in these assessments, Kentucky American Water is urging homeowners to complete an online survey. This action will help the company gather necessary data to ensure the safety of the water supply throughout the region. The collaborative effort between water authorities and property owners is crucial in identifying and eliminating lead in service lines, ensuring a safer water supply for the community.