On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued revisions to the federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) are designed to strengthen protections against lead exposure, particularly for communities and children in elementary schools and childcare facilities.
The Cucamonga Valley Water District (District) has completed the initial Lead Service Line Inventory required under the LCRR.
Through a comprehensive review of historical records and field investigations, the District has determined that there are no lead or galvanized service lines requiring replacement within its distribution system, including any privately or customer-owned service lines.
The District reviewed all applicable information sources, including:
- Construction and plumbing codes, along with existing records or other documentation indicating service line materials
- Water system records, including distribution system maps, service connection records, and historical capital improvement plans
- Inspection records of the distribution system, including routine operational inspections that indicate service line material
- Interviews with senior field staff to determine whether lead service lines or connecting piping have ever been observed
In addition to reviewing these sources, the District developed an inventory method approved by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water on a case-by-case basis. The approved method included physical verification, interpolation, and dating techniques.
The quantity of physical verifications conducted provided a confidence level exceeding 98% with a 2% margin of error, surpassing the recommendations in the EPA’s Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory.
The interpolation method involved dividing the service area into uniform groups, with each group sharing common characteristics such as construction period, geographic location, or contractor. The District physically verified a representative percentage of homes in each group to determine the likely service line material for the remaining homes.
All inspected service lines were verified to be non-lead. No lead or galvanized lines requiring replacement were identified. Service lines installed after January 1, 1988, were excluded from the inventory, as the use of lead pipe materials in new construction was prohibited under California Health and Safety Code Section 300.6, effective January 1, 1986.
For additional information, please contact the District’s Water Quality Coordinator at (909) 987-2591.