What To Know About The EPA's New Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)
...and How We're Keeping Citizens of Gastonia Safe 

 
Background
The original Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was initially established in 1991, requiring all water systems to monitor drinking water from customers's taps. The intent of the rule was to control the amount of lead and copper found in drinking water. On November 30th, 2023, the rule was revised into what we know today as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Key points of the new standards include locating legacy lead pipes, lowering the amount of lead found in drinking water that requires the water system to take action, strengthening protections for consumers to reduce exposure, and much more. With the EPA's guidance and funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these provisions would reduce complexity, streamline implementation, and improve public health protections for our community.

Is There Lead In My Drinking Water?
The drinking water that Two Rivers Utilities (TRU) Water Treatment Plant provides for Gastonia's residents does not contain lead. TRU does everything it can to prevent and control pipe corrosion as water travels from the treatment plant through the distribution system and into your home. We have had an enhanced corrosion control program in place since 1992 to protect our customers. What customers need to be aware of is what kind of water service pipes (also called service lines) they have going into their home. Lead gets into a home's water source through the corrosion of lead pipes and lead pipe fittings over time. If your home or residence was built in 1988 or after, your water service pipes are considered to be lead-free. If your home was built before 1988, TRU will have to identify the service pipe material. TRU has done an initial assessment of service line material for over 30,000 locations throughout our service area; however, you are able to help TRU by locating the piping that goes into your home and inspecting it visually. Click here for an interactive guide to help you determine what your water service pipe is made of. 

Who is Responsible For What? 
The water service pipe (water service line) is the piping that runs from the main water line to the water meter; this section belongs to Two Rivers Utilities, and TRU is responsible for maintaining the quality of this line. However, the water service line is also the piping that runs from the water meter to the residence, usually to the crawl space or basement of a building. This section belongs to the homeowner (colored in gray). If the piping that belongs to the homeowner is compromised, it will be the homeowner's responsibility to replace that service line. TRU will work with owners whose service lines have been identified as containing lead. Are your pipes compromised? Use this guide to find out. 

Two Rivers Service Line Inventory Map 
Knowing your service line material has never been easier. Use the interactive map below to view the material of each service line of our system according to our records. Search an address or pan to your residence. 

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Self-Assessment Survey 
Able to identify your pipes? Complete the survey below to report your service line material to be added to our database! 

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Can I Get My Water Tested For Lead? 
TRU is in the process of working with a 3rd party lab to develop a testing program for lead analysis. You may contact any independent lab certified for lead testing at 10 ppb or below to schedule a lead test. The EPA advises to use the 1st and 5th sample draw rule, where the sampler samples FIVE (5) 1-liter bottles, sending the 1st and the 5th liter for analysis. The EPA also requires that water sit undisturbed for at least 6 hours before sampling to get the best results for lead analysis.

Check Out Our Frequently Asked Questions For More Details