The City of Wilmington is continuing our proactive steps to reduce potential lead exposure in our drinking water under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR). As part of our efforts, Wilmington is conducting an extensive initial inventory of our water service lines to identify any lead pipes that may remain our system.
 
In addition, for the first time ever, all water utilities across the country – including Wilmington – must identify service lines on private properties and within customer homes and businesses, even though City personnel may not enter the properties without permission.
 
For the private property survey work to be successful, Wilmington needs the assistance of our residents. To make it easier for you to help, we’ve created a simple service line survey that enables you to quickly gather the information we need about your water lines.
 
The online survey can be found here or by scanning the QR Code below. 
 
Why This Matters: The EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule is requiring all water providers, including Wilmington, to identify and replace lead service lines to minimize lead exposure risks. The initial inventory’s results will be publicly reported by October 16, 2024, ensuring transparency and community awareness. 
 
Later this fall, the EPA will announce additional improvements to the Lead and Copper Rule.  Wilmington’s initial inventory work, combined with information provided by you about your private water lines, will provide a roadmap for the City’s continued compliance with the Rule well into the next decade.
 
How You Can Help: You can take these three simple steps to help the City remove any lead that remains in our system and your property, home, or business.  Together, we can ensure a lead-free water supply for all of Wilmington’s residents.
 
Complete the Survey:  Click here to take the survey or scan the QR code below.
 
Submit Your Information:  Follow the survey instructions to share details about your private water lines.
 
Stay Informed: If lead is found in your service line or within your home, the City will guide you on reducing exposure risks and provide additional water testing.
 
Important Note: Finding lead in your home or in the service line does not necessarily mean you have been exposed to lead. Wilmington’s effective corrosion control program significantly reduces the risk of lead contaminating your water.
 
For more information on lead exposure and safety measures, visit the EPA’s webpage at epa.gov/safewater/lead.
 
Contact Information: For any questions or assistance, please contact the Wilmington Water Department using Wilmington 311, calling 302-576-2620, or emailing waterqualitylab@wilmingtonde.gov.
 
Stay Connected: Stay updated on our progress and participate in the weekly drawing by following us on social media.
 
For more information, visit our Lead Reduction Program webpage.

Original article posted on 06/21/2024 here.