Residents with homes built before 1986 encouraged to take survey
The City of Folsom is calling on residents and business owners to participate in a survey to help identify lead water service lines as part of a federally mandated Lead Assessment Program. The effort aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and aims to protect public health by ensuring safe drinking water.
Residents whose properties were built in or before 1986 are encouraged to complete the survey here. The information collected will assist the city in documenting the water service line material for the section of the water system owned by property owners, located between the water meter and the building.
The Lead Assessment Program is a nationwide initiative required by the EPA and California’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW). The program mandates all community water systems to create a water service line inventory to identify the presence of lead pipes. Folsom submitted its initial inventory by October 16, 2024, and will continue updating the database with information from residents and businesses.
More details about the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions can be found on the EPA website.
While Folsom’s drinking water is lead-free when it leaves the treatment plant, it can absorb lead if it flows through older pipes containing the metal. Lead pipes were banned in 1986 under the EPA’s lead materials prohibition, which California began enforcing on July 1, 1986. Homes built after this date are unlikely to have lead service lines, and owners of these properties are not required to complete the survey.
The city maintains water lines from the water main to the water meter. Property owners are responsible for the section between the meter and their building, as well as the plumbing within the property.
Residents in older properties can inspect their service lines for potential lead by checking the pipe material where the water service enters the building, typically near the shut-off valve. Characteristics of lead pipes include:
- Silver or gray color.
- Dull or shiny appearance depending on whether the surface is scratched.
- Inability to attract a refrigerator magnet.
Read the city’s instructions and see diagrams of what to look for here.
City officials cite that the survey is quick and easy, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Participation is critical to ensuring the accuracy of the city’s water service line inventory.
Access the online survey by clicking here.
Residents and business owners can access the survey here. For questions or additional assistance, contact the city at 916-461-6177.
