Winston Salem Times

For more than 20 years, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities has met or surpassed all federal water quality standards. This includes testing for lead to ensure your water is safe to drink. Tap water in the water distribution system remains in full compliance with the EPA’s current regulations, but lead service lines may still be found in the county, particularly on private property with older homes and businesses.

Because of health hazards associated with lead pipes, the EPA recently directed all public utilities in the United States to inventory service line pipes extending from the water main to each customer’s home or business.

WSFC Utilities has created an online Water Service Line Inventory at cityofws.org/pipes with easy-to-follow instructions to identify your private service line material using a smart phone. You can report your findings and follow the steps provided if you discover lead or potential lead. If you are unable to do it now, add a reminder to your calendar so you won’t forget this important task.

If the service line material at an address is not entered in the WSFC Utilities database, it will be listed as “unknown” and considered by the EPA as lead. Every residential and commercial customer is therefore encouraged to complete the self-reporting process today to ensure your service line is correctly identified.

For more information, visit cityofws.org/pipes. If you have questions or require printed instructions, contact CityLink by phone, text, email, app, live chat, or the customer portal at cityofws.org/citylink.

Lead Compliance Program

Original source can be found here.