Kinston residents receive information about water service line materials
Some residents of Kinston recently received letters accompanying their utilities bills, notifying them of potential lead in their service pipes. This outreach follows new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the revised Lead and Copper Rule, which went into effect in October.
Steve Miller, a representative of the city’s public services department, explained the purpose of the notices. “The Environmental Protection Agency requires all utility systems across the country to notify customers if there’s any chance that their water service connection may have lead,” Miller said. “We sent out three types of notices: one if we know there’s lead, one for galvanized service lines that must be replaced, and one for unknown service materials.”
The letters do not confirm the presence of lead but are part of the city’s effort to comply with EPA regulations. Over the next three years, the city plans to evaluate service lines to determine their material composition. This includes both city-owned lines from the street to the meter and customer-owned lines from the meter to the building.
Miller assured residents that the city will handle its portion of the evaluations and replacements at no cost to customers. However, if a customer-owned service line requires replacement, the cost will fall to the property owner. “We are exploring funding opportunities to assist customers with these costs,” Miller added.
For residents who want immediate information about their service lines, Miller suggested hiring a plumber to identify the material of the pipes. Additionally, he emphasized that the letters do not mean lead is present in drinking water. “Your water hasn’t been tested yet; the notices are just about the service pipe material,” he said.
The city has provided resources for residents seeking more information. A frequently asked questions document is available on the city’s website, and a 24/7 customer service line can address inquiries. Public outreach events are also being scheduled, including a “Kinston Public Service Road Show” on Dec. 3 at City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Miller encouraged residents to participate in the city’s efforts by sharing information about previous service line replacements. “If you’ve had a line replacement at your house, public services doesn’t necessarily know that,” he said. “Providing that information would be very helpful.”
Kinston draws its water from the Black Creek and Upper Cape Fear aquifers, with additional supply from the Neuse Regional Water and Sewer Authority. The city remains committed to providing safe, high-quality drinking water, meeting or exceeding all state and federal requirements.
“Just because you received a letter doesn’t mean you have lead pipes,” Miller clarified. “We’re working to gather accurate information and ensure the safety of our water supply.”
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