The use of lead materials in plumbing was banned in 1986 under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and while no large pipes (mains) within the City of Broken Arrow’s distribution system contain lead, some public and private service lines that are made of galvanized steel, or contain lead solder remain in use.

Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in 1991, the Utilities Department has been fully compliant, consistently prioritizing water quality and public health. The LCR requires specific testing for lead and copper and action when testing levels exceed designated limits.

In 2021, the EPA put into effect its Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) with a compliance deadline to meet the new requirements by Oct. 16, 2024. The LCRR requires water systems to create an inventory of water service lines, notification to water customers of specific service line material and notifying the public when lead levels exceed designated limits.

The City of Broken Arrow’s efforts to verify and inventory service lines began in the Spring of 2023 using a variety of methods, including review of historical records and physical pipe inspections. Efforts to identify unverified services lines is ongoing.

On Oct. 8, 2024, the EPA announced the final rule, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which clarifies portions of the LCRR and requires water systems in the United States to identify and replace lead service lines within 10 years, beginning in 2027. The LCRI also requires more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water.

The final rule improves communication within communities, so families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes and plans for replacing them.