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New EPA requirements to identify sources of lead
The EPA has a new requirement for all public water utilities to develop and publish an inventory of known and suspected lead water lines within their service area. Toho is expanding our Lead and Copper Program to meet this requirement. This page provides information and updates to our community about this program.
Toho’s drinking water is tested for lead before it leaves our treatment plants. If lead or copper are found in tap water, it is typically caused by underground pipes, plumbing, solder, and fixtures in older buildings. The federal government banned lead pipes in the late 1980s. Properties built after 1988 are unlikely to have lead. Copper is found in underground pipe and in plumbing of properties of all ages. The illustration below explains the location and ownership of service lines, as well as potential sources of lead and copper.
The illustration shows that the pipe that runs from the water main in the street to the building is called a service line. As water runs through lead service lines or fixtures the lead can dissolve or break off into tiny particles that may end up in tap water. Toho is responsible for the service line up to and including the water meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the water meter to their building. Maintaining the service line is typically a shared responsibility.
Health effects
Exposure to lead or high levels of copper over a long period of time may cause health effects, so it is important to identify and remove sources that may contaminate water. Children and infants are at higher risk.
Inventory and inspections
Toho is developing a service line inventory. The service line inventory will be created using historical data and inspections of service lines at up to 400 randomly selected addresses of properties built before 1989. A Toho contractor, National Metering, will be inspecting meter boxes of these randomly selected addresses to identify water line materials. When the inventory is complete by mid-2024, Toho will post an interactive map on this page for customers to see the results of the inventory.
Learn more about the inspection process
Expand All- While conducting inspections, National Metering will use vehicles clearly identified as a Toho contractor. Technicians will have National Metering ID badges.
- Prior to inspections, customers at the randomly selected addresses will receive a notification letter.
- The technician will open the meter box to view the water line and may need to dig inside or next to the box to inspect it.
- Disturbed areas will be restored to their previous condition.
- Technicians will leave a door hanger notifying customers that the inspection was completed.
- If the inspection reveals a lead service line, Toho will notify the customer, offer a filter pitcher and provide instructions on ways to reduce lead.
- Please note: Having a lead service line does not necessarily mean the water contains lead.
Replacement plan
Toho will use the inventory information to develop a plan for replacing lead service lines. The plan will be shared with customers on this page. Toho will replace lead service lines that are part of the Toho water system and will encourage customers to replace the service lines they own if lead is identified on the customer side of the meter.
The graphic shows how to reduce lead if you suspect or have pipes made of lead or fixtures with lead/copper.
Common Questions
Expand AllNo. We anticipate a low number given the age of homes and buildings in the area, as well as results from annual tests required by the EPA for monitoring of drinking water. Previous testing consistently has shown water samples meet EPA’s water quality standards.
Following EPA guidelines and computer modeling, properties built before 1989 were selected randomly to provide a representative sample of the entire service area.
Toho will look at the age of the building/home, material records, zoning, building codes, location and timeframe of the water infrastructure installation, and geographic information to determine the potential for a lead service line on private properties throughout the service area. After the required inventory is complete, we will post an interactive map on our website for customers to check the status of their service line. Please contact Toho at lcp@tohowater.com, and we will determine if your property meets the criteria for an inspection.
You may also follow this guide from the EPA to help you determine if your water line contains lead: Click here.
Toho will develop a replacement plan, including the process for removing and replacing all Toho-owned lead service lines in the water system. Through our Toho Assistance Program (TAP), we will share resources and financial assistance options with customers who want to replace lead service lines on their property. Toho will work closely with customers through this process and ask for advance notification (within 45 days) of work beginning.
If you wish to have your water tested for lead, please fill out the Inspection Request form to determine whether your property meets the criteria for lead testing. The presence of lead in a service line does not necessarily mean the water contains lead. Testing by a state-certified laboratory will determine if lead is present in the drinking water.
The inventory will help guide the lead service line replacement plan, including the timeline for removal and replacement. The plan will be published on this website in the Fall of 2024. We anticipate the replacement work will need to be phased over a ten year period approximately. The timing will be communicated once the plan is finalized.
Having a lead service line does not necessarily mean there is lead in your water, however there is the potential for lead to be released into water as it moves through a lead service line. If your property is identified as having a lead service line, Toho will notify you and provide you with a water pitcher and filter along with information on how to reduce lead. Or if you suspect you have pipes made of lead or fixtures with lead/copper there are some steps you can take to reduce lead.
Recommendations to reduce lead include:
- Clean out faucet aerators.
- Use NSF/ANSI-certified water filters for drinking, cooking, baby formula or consumption.
- Run cold water from a faucet for three to five minutes before consuming if water has not been used for several hours. Boiling water does not remove lead.
- Inspect and replace inside plumbing and fixtures if installed prior to 1989. Consult with a licensed plumber.
Human skin does not absorb lead from water, so filtration is not needed before bathing and showering.
Water will be tested in schools and daycares in 2025. Toho will be reaching out to the schools and local daycares to coordinate testing.
If you have any questions
This page will be updated as new information becomes available. If you have any questions, please call us at 407-944-5062 or email lcp@tohowater.com.