Overview
Kannapolis is part of a multi-year, comprehensive program which is working to identify any sources of lead in the drinking water of Kannapolis residents, following federal guidelines. Kannapolis is a young city and lead in our infrastructure is usually and typically a plumbing challenge, not one of the distribution system.
In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water, called the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). In 2021, the EPA updated and revised its Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR), strengthening regulations for reducing lead from drinking water to better protect children and communities.
LCRR mandates that water utilities nationwide increase tap water testing and create a service line database to check for the presence of lead pipes in water systems, and in elementary schools and daycares. Service lines carry water from the public water main into homes and buildings.
Kannapolis has been monitoring its water for lead and copper and has always met EPA standards.
How Lead Gets Into Water
Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, soil, water and even inside our homes. Exposure to lead can come from paint, dust, gasoline, batteries, plumbing and even food.
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. The most common sources are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986 due to the national ban on lead plumbing that year. In homes without lead services lines, the most common sources of lead getting into water are from copper pipes with lead solder (banned in 1986) and from brass or chrome-plated brass faucets, which weren’t banned until 2014.
Kannapolis is a relatively young city, with much of its growth happening in the last 3 decades – well after the original ban on lead plumbing legislation was passed in 1986. Fortunately, our infrastructure is newer and includes more current water service lines and materials that do not produce lead drinking water.
Health Effects
Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable because the ill effects of lead exposure are triggered at lower levels compared to adults. In children under the age of 7, lead exposure has been linked to behavior and learning issues, slowed growth and hearing problems. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems.
To ensure complete understanding by customers of the importance and purpose of the lead project, the following statement will be included on all educational materials (as required by the USEPA’s LCRR):
“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 spans. 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.”
Source: EPA Revised Lead and Copper Rule
Lead Reduction Program
There are 4 main parts of Kannapolis’ lead reduction program:
1. Increase lead testing at elementary schools and childcare facilities
2. Creating a searchable pipe material database, which will launch in October 2024, with an inventory of private service line pipe materials by location
3. Public education in school/childcare facilities and to the broader community about lead exposure and how to reduce the risk of lead in drinking water
4. Removal of lead service lines or galvanized steel service lines previously downstream of a lead service line
How will Kannapolis check for lead service lines?
Kannapolis has more than 21,000 active water service lines. The first stage of the program involves creating a service line database and verifying materials at mostly pre-1986 built properties, primnarily residential properties. The field work is minimally invasive.
At each site, Kannapolis Water Resources employees will check the pipe from the water main to the water meter and from the water meter to the house, within a foot or so of the water meter. Our Water Resources crew will be using a hydro-vac machine to help identify the material of your underground water lines. A hydro-vac machine is a piece of equipment that uses high-pressure water to gently break up the soil and a vacuum to remove the soil, creating a small, precise hole to access the water lines without causing any damage.
Before field work begins, the property owner will receive multiple notices and must provide written approval. Work at each location is expected to take two to three hours and will be completed within the same day. After the field work is complete, crews will fill the holes and restore any areas disturbed.
What happens if lead is Found in City Pipes Connected to My Home?
If lead pipes are found in City pipes connected to your home, the pipes leading to the home will need to be replaced. Affected homes will receive Brita® water filters, lead testing kits and other assistance to keep the drinking water at lower lead levels until private service lines can be replaced.
What happens if lead is Found in My Pipes That Connect to the City’s Water System?
You are responsible for any maintenance on replacement of your pipes.
FAQs
I found sources of lead in my home plumbing system – what should I do?
The most effective solution is to remove all sources of lead in your home. There is no amount of lead that is considered safe. Any identified sources of lead should be removed whenever possible.
Who should I contact if I have questions about lead?
For questions related to the information presented on this page, contact City of Kannapolis Water Treatment Plant Operations Manager, Gerald Faulkner: gfaulkner@kannapolisnc.gov
How can I get my water tested for lead?
Contact customer service and make the request.704-920-4444
I received something in the mail about a service line inventory – what do I need to do?
Receiving a notice about a service line inventory is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of your drinking water. Here’s what you need to do:
- Read the Notice Carefully: The notice will provide important information about what a service line inventory is and why it’s being conducted.
- Check Your Service Line: Follow the instructions provided to inspect your water service line. This typically involves checking the material of the pipe that brings water into your home. The notice may include a link to a guide or a video to help you identify the pipe material.
- Report Your Findings: Once you have identified the type of material, please report your findings to us. The notice will provide details on how to submit this information, which may include filling out an online form, sending an email, or calling our office.
- Contact Us with Questions: If you are unsure about how to check your service line or have any questions, please contact our Water Resources Department. We are here to assist you and can provide further guidance or schedule an inspection if needed. Call 704-920-4444
- Keep the Information for Your Records: After you have reported your findings, keep a copy of the information for your records. This will help ensure that your service line information is up-to-date.