Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities has been committed to maintaining high water quality standards for over 20 years. In order to ensure the safety of drinking water, the utility has consistently met or exceeded all federal water quality standards, including testing for lead. While the tap water in the distribution system remains in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations, there is still a possibility of lead service lines in the county, particularly in older homes and businesses.
To address the potential health hazards associated with lead pipes, the EPA has recently mandated that all public utilities in the United States inventory service line pipes extending from the water main to each customer’s property. In response, WSFC Utilities has developed an online Water Service Line Inventory at cityofws.org/pipes. This inventory provides easy-to-follow instructions for residents to identify the material of their private service lines using a smartphone.
“If you discover lead or potential lead, you can report your findings and follow the steps provided on the website,” said a spokesperson from WSFC Utilities. “We encourage everyone to complete the self-reporting process today to ensure that your service line is correctly identified.”
It is important for every residential and commercial customer to participate in this self-reporting process. If the service line material at an address is not entered in the WSFC Utilities database, it will be classified as “unknown” and considered by the EPA as potentially containing lead. By accurately identifying the service line material, residents can help ensure the safety of their water supply.
For more information and detailed instructions, residents can visit cityofws.org/pipes. In case of any questions or if printed instructions are required, individuals can contact CityLink through various channels such as phone, text, email, app, live chat, or the customer portal at cityofws.org/citylink.
Ensuring the safety of our drinking water is of utmost importance. By actively participating in the Water Service Line Inventory, residents can contribute to the efforts to “get the lead out” and maintain a safe water supply for the community.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cityofws.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1384
