Oklahoma City publishes water service line inventory, plans to replace lead pipes by 2027

(UI) — The Oklahoma City Utilities Department has published an online inventory of all water service lines connected to the city’s water system, as part of its efforts to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The inventory allows residents to check the type of material used in both public and private service lines.

The inventory, available at okc.gov/leadsafe, is part of the city’s initiative to reduce lead exposure and maintain public health. Under the LCRR, the city will send notification letters to residents with service lines identified as lead or galvanized steel, requiring replacement. Properties with unverified materials will also receive a notice. The EPA requires these letters to be mailed by November 15.

In Oklahoma City, public service line replacements will begin after a plan is finalized by 2027. So far, 173 public service lines, or 0.07% of the 254,000 total accounts, have been identified as lead. The city is responsible for replacing the public portion of these lines, while homeowners are responsible for the private side, per local regulations.

Although no state or federal assistance is currently available to help residents replace private service lines, the city will notify customers if that changes.

The water treated at Oklahoma City’s two plants does not contain lead, and none of the large pipes within the distribution system are made of lead. Lead typically enters water through older service lines or plumbing materials, and the city uses a corrosion inhibitor to reduce the risk.

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