Ensuring Safe Water in Arlington, TX With Service Line Inspections

Headline stories like what happened in Flint, Michigan several years back have been a reminder that we can’t take our drinking water quality for granted. Here in the U.S. it’s easy to just assume that tap water is safe, but the truth is that isn’t a guarantee.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was enacted in 1974 to establish federal standards for drinking water services to ensure safety. The regulations are enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and must be followed by all states so that drinking water safety minimums are met.

What many homeowners may not realize is that the safety of tap water that’s used for drinking, cooking and bathing doesn’t just depend on the city’s water suppliers. It also hinges on the condition of the pipes leading into your home. In Arlington, TX the city is taking proactive steps to inspect plumbing systems and identify aging water service lines so all residents have safe drinking water when they turn on the tap.

The Importance of Detecting Unsafe Drinking Water at a Public and Individual Level

Safe drinking water is quite possibly the most important public health issue, and we’re not talking about fluoride levels. We all need to consume water every day for basic survival. The problem is water can become contaminated. When water is contaminated by lead, bacteria, or corrosion byproducts it can pose serious health risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and older adults. Consuming contaminated water can lead to neurological disorders, illness, and even death.

There’s another issue that comes into play and makes the need for careful monitoring more important. If contaminated water is in the public water system it can cause widespread health problems. A whole community of people can be impacted in one fail swoop.

While Arlington’s water treatment systems are state-of-the-art, any outdated or damaged water service lines connected to your home can introduce contamination before the water even reaches your plumbing fixtures.

This is why regular water service line inspections are so important for the health and safety of everyone in your home.

What is a Water Service Line and Why Inspect It?

Drinking water, also known as potable water, is supplied by a water service line. The line is a pipe that connects a property’s internal plumbing system to the municipal water supply that’s usually buried underground.

Before the 1980s, water lines were sometimes made of lead or galvanized steel. We now know these materials pose health risks, and even galvanized pipes degrade over time. The combination of those factors can lead to water contamination.

One solution is water service line inspections. Water service line inspections serve a few important purposes. They:

• Identify if lead or other harmful materials are present
• Allow you to spot signs of corrosion or damage
• Locate potential sources of contamination

This isn’t an issue that you can catch at the water meter or by analyzing your utility bills. Without a thorough inspection of the water lines, these hidden risks can go undetected for years until they lead to serious problems.

Arlington’s Citywide Water Service Line Inspection Initiative

In response to new federal regulations from the EPA, Arlington Water Utilities conducted service line inspections across the city. This effort was part of the revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR), which requires cities to:

• Develop a detailed inventory of all public and private water service line materials
• Identify and replace hazardous lines (especially those containing lead)

The findings had to be submitted by October 16, 2024. Fortunately, the inspections revealed there were no lead water lines serving the city. But that’s not the final step for ensuring every drop of water delivered through Arlington’s pipes is safe to drink.

What You Can Do as a Property Owner

While the city is taking the lead on public water line inspections, property owners also have a critical role to play. Commercial properties and homes built in the 1970s or earlier, could have lead or galvanized steel water lines. So, even if the city’s pipes aren’t made of lead, the pipes connected to your property could be.

Here’s what you can do to make sure your home’s drinking water stays safe and clean:

1. Find Out What Your Service Line is Made Of
   Older homes may have lead or galvanized steel pipes. If you aren’t sure what your pipes are made of a licensed plumber can inspect the line entering your home to identify the material.
2. Look for Water Contamination Warning Signs
   Pay attention to discolored water, metallic tastes, or low water pressure. Any of these could signal pipe corrosion or buildup within the pipes.
3. Participate in City Programs
   If Arlington Water Utilities contacts you for a survey or inspection, take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about your property’s service line and plumbing system.
4. Call in the Professionals
   At Made’s Plumbing, we specialize in water service line inspections, repair and replacement. If your pipes are outdated, corroded, or leaking, our team can upgrade them with safe, modern materials that meet all local and federal safety standards.

Also, be on the lookout for septic system contamination if you have one. An aging or poorly maintained septic system can contaminate the groundwater. An unprotected well can also pose unique challenges in rural areas if it’s the primary water supply.

Remember, Safe Water Starts at the Service Line

Having a ready supply of affordable water is important, but it can’t come at the price of safety. As the World Health Organization has pointed out, 1 in 3 people in the global population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water. Clean water is a shared responsibility, and property owners in Arlington can take steps to ensure it stays that way until it comes out of the tap.

While the City of Arlington is taking important steps to meet the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule requirements, homeowners must also stay informed and proactive about the condition of their private plumbing systems.

Whether you’re unsure about the material of your service line or just want peace of mind, Made’s Plumbing is here to provide answers. As a licensed plumber Arlington, TX property owners rely on every day for essential and emergency repairs, Made’s Plumbing is a trusted resource for local water line inspections.

Contact Made’s Plumbing today to schedule an inspection or learn more about receiving a 10% discount is you want to upgrade your home’s water service line.