The City of Auburn has completed its Lead Service Line Inventory in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The LCRR is part of a nationwide initiative to protect public health by reducing exposure to lead in drinking water.

As required by the LCRR, the City assessed and documented the materials used in both public and private water service lines throughout the water system. Based on the completed inventory, the City has found no lead service lines.

The inventory results have been published and will continue to be maintained and updated as new information becomes available. The City remains committed to ensuring the accuracy of its records and compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations.

Our Commitment to Safety and Compliance

The City of Auburn has been in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) since its inception in 1991 and through the various revisions of it, conducting required sampling, monitoring, reporting and proactively replacing any known lead components during system upgrades. The initial lead service line inventory under the 2021 LCRR was completed using existing as-built construction records, historical City standards, other known records, inspections, and water sampling data to determine the materials used in service lines throughout the City’s water service area.

Lead in Service Lines: What you Need to Know

There are no known lead service lines in the City of Auburn’s public water system.  The City of Auburn has been using non-lead service line materials since at least 1973. Over the years, the City has systematically replaced older water mains, which have included concurrent replacement of associated service lines. On a national scale, lead pipes, solder and fittings were banned by the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments in 1986.

For clarity:

• Public service line: Owned by the City, extends from the water main to the meter, including an 18-inch tailpiece.
• Private service line: Owned by the homeowner, starts behind the tailpiece and continues into the property.

In the image below, you can see the breakdown between the public and private portions of the service line.

Service Line Data: To ensure transparency, the City of Auburn has published the results of our Lead Service Line Inventory, which will be continuously updated with new information as it becomes available. You can access the results using the link below.

Water Service Line Material Interactive Map

Lead Service Line Inventory FAQs (PDF) 

Replace Other Plumbing That Contains Lead

While the City works to address public water system components, we encourage homeowners to inspect and replace any lead plumbing components on private property. We recommend hiring a licensed and certified plumber to inspect and replace any lead fittings, pipes, or fixtures that may pose a risk in your home.

Immediate Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead Exposure:

If you are concerned about the presence of lead in your home’s plumbing, here are some immediate actions you can take:

• Use a water filter: Ensure your household water filter is certified by reputable standards (such as NSF/ANSI) for lead removal. Check for certification on the packaging before purchasing.
• Flush your taps: Lead levels are highest when water has been sitting stagnant in pipes for several hours. Run cold water for several minutes before use to ensure you’re drawing fresh water from the main. Use this water for plants or toilets to avoid wastage.
• Use cold water for consumption: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as hot water is more likely to dissolve lead from pipes.
• Clean faucet aerators: Aerators, the small screens on faucets, can collect lead particles. Clean them regularly - at least once a month - to reduce the risk of lead accumulation in your drinking water.

Contact Us

The City of Auburn is committed to providing its customers with drinking water that meets all state and federal water quality standards. If you have any further questions, please contact City of Auburn Public Works Department - Engineering at 253-931-3010.