Iredell Water Corporation is currently seeking to revise our Lead and Copper Rule Sampling Program and Sample Sites Selections.

What is the Lead & Copper Rule?:

On June 7, 1991, EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. This regulation is known as the Lead and Copper Rule (also referred to as the LCR or 1991 Rule). The rule aimed to minimize lead and copper in drinking water, primarily by reducing water corrosivity. Lead and copper enter drinking water primarily through plumbing materials. Exposure to lead and copper may cause health problems ranging from stomach distress to brain damage. There have been several revisions to the LCR since 1991. You can learn more by clicking on the folowing link to the EPA website.

EPA Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water

Guidelines for Sample Site Selection:

The main objective of the lead and copper rule (LCR) is to protect the public from contaminants resulting from corrosion in the piping system. LCR requires that all public water systems sample & meet the action levels set forth by the EPA. Sampling is based on the population served by the water system. Iredell Water is required to have a minimum of 60(sixty) sample sites locations. Sample sites must meet the following criteria.

Tier 1 sampling sites
• Must be a single-family structures
• Must contain copper pipe with lead solder that was installed January 1, 1983 through December 31, 1985
• And /Or contain lead pipe or are served by a lead service line (any age structure).

Tier 2 sampling sites
• Any building, including multiple-family residence or commercial structures
• Must contain copper pipe with lead solder that was installed January 1, 1983 through December 31, 1985
• And /Or contain lead pipe or are served by a lead service line (any age structure)

Tier 3 sampling sites
• Must be a single-family structures
• Must contain copper pipes with lead solder installed before 1983.

If you meet any of the criteria above (Home or structure built in 1985 or before, with copper pipe with lead solder, or lead pipe, we request to be able to include your property in our sampling site plan. This sampling will be performed at no cost to the homeowner. Individual test result will be provided to the resident of each test location. If test results are over the action levels, you will be notified and be informed how to reduce the lead and copper inside your home.

Iredell Water Corporation is not trying to sell anything pertaining to the test results and will not share this information. Iredell Water is not in the business of selling any type of filter systems. This is a federal requirement by the EPA and insures we are providing you with the quality water our customers deserve.

If we may add your property to our sampling site plan, please email your reply to dsloan@iredellwater.com with your name, address, best contact number, approximate year home was built and also state that your home does have copper pipes.

We apologize if you have received more than one request for this information.