Metro Water Services (MWS) has collected material data for the public (water main to meter) and private (water meter to residence/building) portion of water service lines for the EPA required service line inventory. Compilation of this data included reviewing old records dating back to 1904 as well as new construction records, use of a metal analyzer, and customer reported service line surveys.
The service line inventory is available in this interactive map: Water Service Line Pipe Material Inventory. Please note that the materials shown are to the best of Water Services knowledge.
Metro Water Services customers with a lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) or unknown water service line material (as of October 2024) were mailed this notice:
If your address shows unknown, take this service line inventory survey to help us document the material of your service line. Need guidance? Watch this video to help you locate your service line and determine the pipe material.
Water Services staff and contractors will continue work in neighborhoods utilizing a metal analyzer to identify unknown pipe material. A postcard notification will be sent to property owners prior to inspection of their water service line.
- You will not experience any interruptions to your service during inspection.
- You will not have to interact with our crews.
- The service line will not be damaged.
Crews will begin working in the Bordeaux area 10/23.
View a map showing the current water service line inspection schedule. (This map will be updated as we progress through the county.)
Dates are Important….
Lead was the preferred piping material for service lines in the early 1900s. However, the MWS standard for service lines in 1970 was copper. The Standard Building Code was changed in an addendum revision in 1977 to remove lead pipe in above ground supply plumbing installations - this ordinance was adopted by Metro Council July 6, 1979 (Bill No 79-1349). In 1986, Congress enacted the “lead ban,” which stated that not only public water systems, but also anyone else who intends to install or repair drinking water plumbing connected to a public water system, must use “lead free materials.” In 2011, the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, which redefines “lead free materials”, was signed into law and became effective in January 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead can be found in air, soil, dust, food, and water.
How will I know if my drinking water has lead in it?
MWS regularly tests the water at a selected number of lead service line locations. Customers residing in these homes are made aware of the results and they are also provided to the TN Department of Environment and Conservation, as required.
You can also have your water tested for lead by a certified laboratory. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful quantities of lead in your drinking water.
Does Nashville have lead pipes?
Metro Water Services stopped installing lead pipe in 1955 but insufficient historic record keeping prevents us from knowing an exact number of lead service lines in our system. Lead is replaced when found during repair or other construction activities. A lead pipe is not the only potential source of lead in water. Homes built prior to 1988 with copper plumbing have the possibility of lead solder joints. Additionally, brass fixtures including faucets, valves and couplings can contain lead.
Will lead pipes in Nashville have to be replaced?
The LCRI requires the replacement of lead service lines and GRR lines under the control of the water system, within 10 years or less. Metro Water Services currently replaces their portion of lead service lines when found during construction or repair activities and will be preparing a more robust replacement plan that meets the 2037 compliance date.
What are the risks of lead exposure?
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.
Is MWS doing anything to limit lead exposure in drinking water?
Along with education and partial service line replacement, MWS has a successful corrosion control program. Since 1987, a blended food-grade phosphate solution, safe for drinking water, has been added to the finished water. This solution bonds to pipes, forming a protective barrier to prevent the water from picking up particles of lead that may be present in lead pipes or soldering.
What is the Metro Water Services P.I.P.E. Program?
In response to the strengthened Lead and Copper rules, Metro Water Services began the P.I.P.E. Program. P.I.P.E. stands for Prevent, Inform, Protect, and Eliminate. We prevent metals from leaching into water by properly balancing water chemistry. We inform our community through our website and service line inventory. We protect health with extensive sampling in the community and at schools and day cares. We will eliminate the risk with the removal of lead service lines.
I received a Notice of Potential Lead Exposure Risk in the mail. What do I need to do?
This notice does not indicate an imminent health threat. It was mailed to inform customers of the presence of lead or galvanized water service lines (or possible presence, if pipe material is unknown) so additional precautions can be taken to prevent lead exposure. Metro Water Services has had a successful corrosion control program since 1987 which forms a barrier between the pipe and water to prevent possible leaching and will continue this program.
How can I find out if my home has lead plumbing?
If you’re concerned your home plumbing may contain lead pipes (lead is a dull gray metal that is soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key) or if you see signs of corrosion (frequent leaks, rust-colored water), you may want to have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. Testing is the only way to confirm if lead is present or absent. For more information on testing your water, you can call Metro Water Services at 615-862-4600 or contact a private certified laboratory.
What is the cost of replacing a lead service line?
the actual cost of replacement reflects a number of factors including the length of the service line, the technique used to install the new service line, and the built environment where the service line is located.
What does it mean if my service line is GRR?
GRR stands for Galvanized Requiring Replacement. These are service lines that are or ever were downstream of a lead service line or is currently downstream of an unknown service line.
Reducing Your Risk
- Run your water to flush out lead. If it hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for three to five minutes to clear most of the lead from the water. (To conserve water, remember to catch the flushed tap water for plants or some other household use such as cleaning.)
- Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Never cook with or drink water from the hot water tap. Never use water from the hot water tap to make formula.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Periodically remove and clean the faucet screen/aerator. While removed, run the water to eliminate debris.
- You may consider investing in a home water treatment device or alternative water source. When purchasing a water treatment device, make sure it is certified under NSF/ANSI 53 to remove lead. Search for certified products at NSF International (800-NSF-8010) or Water Quality Association (630-505-0160).
- Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings and valves may leach lead into drinking water. Products sold after Jan. 4, 2014, must by law contain very low levels of lead.
- Have a licensed electrician check your wiring. Your home electrical system may be attached to your service line or elsewhere in your plumbing. If this connection is electrified, it can accelerate corrosion. Check with a licensed electrician to correct ground faults and evaluate your local electric code to determine if your wiring can be grounded elsewhere. DO NOT attempt to change the wiring yourself because improper bonding or grounding can cause electrical shock and fire hazards.