Frequently Asked Questions

A service line is a pipe that conveys water between the water main located under the street into individual homes and buildings. The City owns the water main and service lines from the water main to the meter, and the property owner owns the service lines from the meter into the building, as shown in the figure below.

Lead is regulated in drinking water through the Lead and Copper Rule.  The EPA and the TCEQ released updated standards to protect communities from lead exposure in drinking water. These new standards, the ‘Lead and Copper Rule Revisions’ and ‘Lead and Copper Rule Improvements,’ mandate that all drinking water utilities in the United States, including Texas, must investigate whether lead service lines are present in their water distribution systems and plan for service line replacements. The new rules also update requirements for water sampling and response actions utilities must take if testing shows lead in their water. Please refer to the EPA Lead and Copper Fact Sheet for more information.

While the same rule regulates copper, copper does not carry the same health risk as lead and is not a focus of the new rule. The sole purpose of this new regulation is to protect communities from the risks of lead exposure from drinking water flowing through lead pipes. The City has no record of lead pipes and has performed inspections to verify the service line material for connections built before the federal lead ban.

The City is committed to replacing lead service lines in our water system as part of its Lead Service Line Replacement plan. If crews discover a lead service line, the City will take responsibility for replacing the City-owned portion of the service line from the main to the meter.

No, just because a service line contains lead, this does not mean lead is in the drinking water. The City will conduct water monitoring at locations where lead lines are found and test for lead in the water inside the home. The City currently conducts routine water monitoring for lead, and historical results show that lead levels meet safe drinking water standards.

 Unfortunately, no. The property owner is responsible for the private side of the service line. However, if you inform the Public Works Department at LCRR@haltomcitytx.com in advance that you plan to replace the private side of the service line, the City will prioritize replacing the public side of your service line.

As a first step, you will need to locate your plumbing lines. They can usually be seen at the pipe entering the water heater, attic, basement, or other utility areas where pipes are exposed.  A certified plumber can then help perform an inspection to locate plumbing lines and identify the material. Your service line, which connects your home to the water meter, is buried and will require excavation to expose a portion of the line.

It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain pipes.  If you are concerned about the material of the pipes, you can ask your landlord if they have a plumber verify your line materials.