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:
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Identifying areas most affected through a service line inventory.
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Strengthening treatment requirements.
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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.