Lead and Copper FAQ

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring this as part of the updated Lead and Copper Rule.

The City of Henderson is required to comply with the EPA’s recent revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule. Such revisions require utilities to maintain an inventory of water service lines within their service area, create a lead sampling plan for all schools in the utility’s service area, and provide public education regarding the presence and hazards associated with lead in drinking water.

The EPA recognizes the danger lead poses in drinking water. In 1991, the EPA issued the Lead & Copper Rule mandating that water systems adjust their water chemistry to control corrosion, which would limit lead leaching into the water. As of December 2021, revisions and additional requirements were included in the Lead and Copper Rule that utilities were required to comply with by October 16, 2024. See additional information on the Lead and Copper Rule and the most recent revisions.

Yes. The City’s water system complies with the NC public water quality standards. The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is available here.

A water service line is a pipe that connects the City’s water main to a property, providing drinking water to the internal plumbing. The section of water service line from the water main to the meter is maintained by the City of Henderson. The section of pipe from the meter to the residence is maintained by the property owner.

Assessing the owner’s portion of the water service line is your responsibility as the property owner. You as the property owner can inspect your plumbing lines coming into the home to see what type of material they are made of, please see the City’s Service Line Identification Instructions for examples and reference. If the type of material cannot be determined we recommending consult with a plumber to have your water service line checked to confirm the material type.

Property owners are responsible for replacing their internal plumbing fixtures.

Can the City provide a list of plumbers?

No, the City cannot recommend any plumbers, please refer to your local phone book or online search for plumber within your area.

No (Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.)

• Run your water to flush out lead. If the water has not been used for several hours, run the water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from the interior plumbing or run the water until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using for drinking or cooking. Only use cold water for drinking and cooking purposes.

• Do NOT use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.

• Do NOT boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead in drinking water.

• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water, such as the use of a pitcher filter that is certified to remove lead and replace the cartridges on a routine frequency or use bottled water.

• Identify and replace premise plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves,including those advertised as “lead free” installed prior to 2014, may contribute lead to drinking water because the law allowed fixtures with up to 8% lead to be labeled as lead free.

• Regularly clean your aerators/screens on all plumbing fixtures. Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can enter your water.

No. It is at the option of the property owner to replace their service line. While highly encouraged, there are no legal ramifications if the property owner chooses not to replace their service line.

North Carolina State Laboratory Public Health Environmental Sciences - NCSLPH Certified Laboratory

The most current guidance and documentation is available on our S.A.F.E Tap Initiative page on the City’s Website. For any additional questions, free to email us at leadandcopper@henderson.nc.gov.