Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department (PUD) has introduced an online database and map of the Water Service Line Inventory at www.accgov.com/waterservicelines. This initiative aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mandate for water utilities to identify and disclose the materials used in water service lines on both utility and customer sides of the meter.

Water service lines are pipes that connect homes to public water mains, delivering water to various household fixtures. The inventory categorizes these lines as lead, non-lead, galvanized iron, or unknown lead status.

Since 2021, multiple divisions within the PUD have collaborated to assess over 42,000 water service lines using historical records, field verification, and predictive modeling. Their findings indicate no presence of lead service lines in Athens-Clarke County; all identified lines are made from non-lead materials such as copper or PVC plastic.

“We are pleased that our inventory found no lead water service lines on either the ACCGov or the customer sides of water meters throughout the community,” stated Public Utilities Director Hollis Terry. “Our staff worked diligently over several years to undertake the inventory and make this information available to the public.”

This inventory is part of broader efforts by PUD to ensure compliance with standards from the EPA’s 2021 revision of the 1991 Lead and Copper Rule. These revisions were aimed at reducing risks associated with lead in drinking water. Notably, lead does not naturally occur in local sources like Middle Oconee River, North Oconee River, or Bear Creek Reservoir. Furthermore, treated water from J.G. Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant is also free from lead.

The PUD emphasizes its commitment to public health by ensuring clean and safe drinking water for residents in Athens-Clarke County. Beyond maintaining state and federal standards for treated water, they also ensure delivery systems meet these criteria. The department conducts regular tests for lead content in water and shares results through an annual Water Quality Report sent to customers.

For further details on the service line materials or to view the inventory map, visit www.accgov.com/waterservicelines.

Contact Jackie Sherry at 706-613-3729 or jackie.sherry@accgov.com for more information.