Printed on Recycled Paper

United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

Office of Water

4606

EPA 815-R-99-022

April 2000

Notification and

Reporting Requirements

for Partial Lead Service

Line Replacement under

the Lead and Copper

Rule
-iTABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the Purpose of this Guidance Document? ................................... 1

How is this Document Organized? ............................................... 1

What Special Terms Does A System or State Need to Know to Understand this Guidance? .... 2

How Have the Notification and Reporting Requirements Changed as a Result of the LCRMR?

...................................................................... 3

Differences in Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements 

Before and After the LCRMR ............................................... 7

What Type of Information Must A System Report to the State? ......................... 9

What Key Points Should A System Remember? .................................. 10

APPENDIX A

Example Notification Language ............................................ A-1

PWS Notification Requirements for Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement .............. A-2

Example Language for Line Replacement Offer to Private Line Owners ................. A-3

Example Language for Notification of 

Planned Partial Lead Service Line Replacement ............................. A-7

Example Language for Notification of Lead Service Line Sample Results ............. A-9

APPENDIX B

Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions 

that Relate to Partial Lead Service Line 

Notification and Reporting Requirements ..................................... B-1

Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions that Relate to Partial Lead Service Line Notification and

Reporting Requirements ............................................... B-2
-iiDisclaimer

The statements in this document are intended solely as guidance. This

document is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights

enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. EPA may decide

to follow the guidance provided in this document, or to act at variance with the

guidance based on its analysis of the specific facts presented. This guidance

may be revised without public notice to reflect changes in EPA’s approach to

implementing the authorities discussed in the Guidance or to clarify and update

text.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

1

Notification and Reporting Requirements for 

Partial Lead Service Line Replacement

Under the Lead and Copper Rule

What is the Purpose of this Guidance

Document?

On June 7, 1991, the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control

lead and copper in drinking water in the Federal

Register. This regulation is known as the Lead and

Copper Rule (LCR). 

On January 12, 2000, EPA published minor

revisions to the LCR. The purpose of this revised

rule (also known as the Lead and Copper Rule

Minor Revisions or LCRMR) is to eliminate

unnecessary requirements, streamline and reduce

reporting burden, and promote consistent national

implementation. 

This guidance document applies to water system

owners or operators that are required to replace

water system-owned lead service lines. It explains

how the LCRMR have changed the information a

system must provide to its customers who are

served by the lead service lines and to the State, in

the event that the system does not replace the entire

length of a lead service line [See §141.84(d)]. This

type of replacement is referred to as partial lead

service line replacement. This document also

provides systems with suggested language to use

when notifying their customers who are connected

to a partially-replaced lead service line.

How is this Document Organized?

EPA has tried to anticipate the type of information

that systems will need to fully understand the

revisions to the partial lead service line notification

and reporting requirements. EPA has structured

the sections of this guidance to answer the

following questions:

6 What Special Terms Does A System or State

Need to Know to Understand this Guidance?

6 How Have the Notification and Reporting

Requirements Changed as a Result of the

LCRMR?

6 What Type of Information Must A System

Report to the State?

6 What Key Points Should A System

Remember?

EPA has also included two appendices to this

document. Appendix A contains sample

language that a system can use to fulfill its

partial lead service line notification requirements

to its customers. Appendix B contains federal

regulatory language from the LCRMR that

specifies:

6 the portion of the lead service line that a

system must replace;

6 a system’s responsibilities to its customers in

the event that the system replaces only a

portion of the line; and

6 the information a system may be required to

report to the State if the system replaces only

a portion of the line [See §141.84(d)].

This document contains citations in brackets at

the end of some of the sentences (e.g., [See

§141.86(g)] ). Wherever this document mentions

a provision that a system must follow, EPA has

included, in brackets, the citation from the federal

regulations that contains the requirement.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

2

Remember: The State’s drinking water regulation may contain

slightly different wording, and may even be more stringent than

the federal regulations. In addition, the State's regulation may

be organized differently than in the federal regulation contained

in Appendix B of this document. A system should contact the

appropriate State agency for a copy of its regulations.

What Special Terms Does A System or State Need to Know to Understand this

Guidance?

Term Definition

1991 Rule This refers to the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals and National Primary Drinking Water

Regulations for Lead and Copper, or Lead and Copper Rule for short. This regulation was

published in the Federal Register on June 7, 1991 (56 FR 26460). EPA modified this rule with

technical amendments that were published in the Federal Register on July 15, 1991 (56 FR

32113), June 29, 1992 (57 FR 28786), and June 30, 1994 (59 FR 33860).

90th Percentile

Value

The highest concentration of lead or copper in tap water that is exceeded by 10 percent of the

sites sampled during a monitoring period. This value is compared to the lead or copper action

level, to determine whether an action level has been exceeded.

LCR An acronym for Lead and Copper Rule. Also referred to in this document as the 1991 Rule.

LCRMR An acronym for the Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions that were published in the Federal

Register on January 12, 2000 (65 FR 1950).

Lead Action

Level

The concentration of lead in tap water which determines whether a system may be required to

install corrosion control treatment, collect water quality parameter samples, collect lead and

copper source water samples, replace lead service lines, and/or deliver public education about

lead. The action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L. 

LSL An acronym for a lead service line. Means a service line made of lead which connects the

water main to the building inlet. It also includes any lead pigtail, gooseneck, or other fitting

which is connected to the lead service line.

Partial 

Replacement

This phrase refers to any lead service line replacement effort in which a system does not replace

the entire length of a lead service line up to the building inlet. When this happens the system

has certain requirements for monitoring and for notifying the people who drink its water [See

§141.84(d)].

State Refers to the government agency that enforces compliance with drinking water regulations and

assists systems in understanding and implementing these regulations. For most systems, this is

an organization within the State government (e.g., Department of Natural Resources,

Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health). For DC, WY, and Native

American Lands, the contact is often from the respective EPA Regional Office.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

3

How Have the Notification and

Reporting Requirements Changed as

a Result of the LCRMR?

The LCRMR strengthen and clarify the

notification and reporting procedures that a

system must follow after partial lead service line

replacement. The LCRMR do not change the

requirements regarding which systems must

replace lead service lines. A system is still only

required to begin replacing its lead service lines if

it exceeds the lead action level after it has

completed installing treatment that is designed to

reduce lead levels [See §141.84(a)]. No matter

what a system’s size, it is subject to these

requirements.

The LCRMR require a system to replace the

portion of the line that it owns [See §141.84(d)]. 

This is consistent with the 1994 court ruling that

revised the original requirements under the 1991

Rule. Under the 1991 Rule, systems were

required to replace the entire line up to the

building inlet, unless they could demonstrate to the

satisfaction of the State that they controlled less

than the entire service line. 

The LCRMR also specifically require a system to

maintain documentation in its files that identifies

the portion(s) of the line that the system owns [See

§141.84(b)]. In addition, the LCRMR also clarify

that a system must ask owners or their authorized

agents if they want their portion of the line

replaced [See §141.84(d)]. 

As was true prior to the LCRMR, the owner of

the service line is responsible for the cost of

replacing his/her portion of the line. If local or

State laws preclude a system from having to

replace any lines that it does not own, then the

system is not required to offer to replace the

privately-owned portion of the line. In those

instances, where such a restriction does not exist,

a system should make this offer in writing and

maintain records of any related correspondence. 

In addition, this correspondence should be

completed well in advanced of any planned

replacement. Otherwise, the system may not be

aware of where it will be conducting partial

replacement, and the system may be unable to

meet the notification schedule described under the

section entitled, “Partial Lead Service Line

Replacement Notification Requirements”. 

Appendix A contains a “screening letter”, to

determine which line owners are interested in

having their lines replaced. This document will

allow a system to maintain records of the initial

agreements that the system reaches with line

owners or their agents. This letter is not intended

to serve as a final contractual agreement for

those who accept a system’s replacement offer. 

Because formal contractual and financial

agreements are highly situation-specific and are

up to the parties involved, no sample language

for these agreements is provided in this guidance

document.

Partial Lead Service Line Replacement

Notification Requirements

In those instances where the system does not

replace the privately-owned portion of the line,

because of legal restrictions or the owner decides

not to pay for the replacement of the privatelyowned portion, a system must fulfill the

following notification and monitoring

requirements. A system is not subject to these

requirements whenever it replaces an entire lead

service line [See §141.84(d). This would also be

true in those instances where a system only

replaces a gooseneck, pigtail, or other fittings and

these are the only lead components in its service

line.

1. A system must notify the residents of the

building(s) for which it is replacing only part

of the lead service line [See §141.84(d)].

Under the LCRMR, a system’s notification

must:

• be sent at least 45 days prior to the

partial replacement; (some States allow

less than 45 days notice in the case of
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

4

emergency repairs; in this instance, the

system should notify customers as soon as

possible; the system should check with the

State to clarify the specific allowances

that apply to the system);

• alert users that they might have a

temporary increase of lead levels in their

drinking water;

• provide users with guidance on how to

minimize their exposure to lead; and

• inform users that the system will collect a

sample for lead within 72 hours of

completing the partial replacement, and

that the system will notify them of the

outcome within 3 business days of

receiving the laboratory results [See

§141.84(d)]

Unlike public education, there is no mandatory

language that a system must use to notify its

affected users. The LCRMR only specify that the

language contains the key elements listed above. 

If a system chooses, it can use the sample

language provided in Appendix A.

2. A system must collect one representative

water sample from each partially-replaced

lead service line, and have it analyzed for lead

[See §141.84(d)(1)]. 

The sample must be:

• collected within 72 hours of completing

the partial lead service replacement; and 

• representative of the water in the service

line, as described in the following

section, “How to Collect a

Representative Sample” [See

§141.84(d)(1)].

3. A system must report the results of the

analysis to the owner and the resident(s)

served by the line within 3 business days of

receiving the results [See §141.84(d)(1)]. If

the notice is post-marked within 3 business

days of receiving the results, it is considered 

to be “on time”. A system can also distribute

the sample results by posting in a

conspicuous place (for multi-family

dwellings), or by other State-approved

methods. 

A summary of the differences in requirements

prior to LCRMR and under the LCRMR are

provided in the table on the following page.

Remember: Whenever a

system replaces an ENTIRE

lead service line, the system is

not subject to the partial lead

service line notification and

reporting requirements [See

§141.84(d)]. 

How to Collect a Representative Sample

The procedure for collecting a representative

sample following partial replacement is the same

as if a system was testing a lead service line to

see if it needed to be replaced. The procedure for

collection is explained in §141.86(b)(3) of the

federal regulations and is provided in Appendix

B. EPA has provided further explanation below

for convenience.

The service line sample must be 1 liter in volume

and have stood in the line for at least six hours

[See §141.86(b)(3)]. A system can collect the

sample in one of the following ways: 

Note: A system’s notification to water

users can be mailed, or delivered by

other methods that are approved by the

State. For multi-family dwellings, a

system can post the information in a

conspicuous common-use location.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

5

1. Sample from a kitchen or bathroom tap:

These samples should be taken after flushing

the water volume between the tap and the line. 

A sample from a single-family home, should

be collected after the water has run and there

is a significant change in water temperature,

which is indicative of water that has been

standing in the line. The sample should be

collected from the building tap which is

closest to the portion of the lead service line

that was not replaced (i.e., the first tap in the

building, most likely a kitchen or bathroom

tap on the first floor). 

If the sample is collected from a multi-family

residence, then the volume of pipe between

line replacement and the tap should be

calculated. Use the “Pipe Volume” table on

page 6 to estimate the volume. EPA

recommends selecting the pipe diameter that

is one size larger than the actual pipe size,

since pipe material thickness can vary,

affecting the interior diameter and the actual

volume of water. 

2. Sample directly from a line tap:

When collecting samples in this fashion, a

system should include the installation of the

tap and collection of the sample into its lead

service line replacement schedule.

L Remember: Lead service line samples should not be

included in the 90th percentile calculations.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

6

Pipe Volume Table (Volumes Listed in Liters) 

Pipe Length

(Feet)

Pipe Diameter (Inches)

3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 1 11/4

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

 8

 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

25

30

35

40

60

0.06

0.09

0.11

0.14

0.17

0.20

0.23

0.26

0.28

0.31

0.34

0.37

0.40

0.43

0.46

0.49

0.51

0.54

0.57

0.71

0.86

1.00

1.14

1.43

0.09

0.14

0.18

0.23

0.27

0.32

0.36

0.41

0.45

0.50

0.55

0.59

0.64

0.68

0.73

0.78

0.82

0.86

0.91

1.14

1.36

1.59

1.82

2.27

0.14

0.21

0.27

0.34

0.41

0.48

0.55

0.62

0.69

0.75

0.82

0.89

0.96

1.03

1.10

1.16

1.23

1.30

1.37

1.71

2.06

2.40

2.74

3.43

0.19

0.29

0.38

0.48

0.57

0.67

0.76

0.86

0.95

1.05

1.14

1.24

1.33

1.43

1.52

1.62

1.71

1.81

1.90

2.38

2.85

3.33

3.80

4.76

0.32

0.49

0.65

0.81

0.97

1.14

1.30

1.46

1.62

1.78

1.95

2.11

2.26

2.43

2.60

2.76

2.92

3.08

3.24

4.06

4.87

5.68

6.49

8.11

0.50

0.74

0.99

1.24

1.48

1.73

1.98

2.22

2.47

2.72

2.96

3.21

3.46

3.71

3.95

4.20

4.45

4.70

4.94

6.18

7.41

8.65

9.88

12.36

Notes: 1. Volumes can be added together for pipe lengths not listed.

2. Liters can be converted to gallons by dividing by 3.785.

3. EPA recommends selecting the pipe diameter that is one size larger than the actual pipe size, since

pipe material thickness can vary, affecting the interior diameter and the actual volume of water.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

7

Differences in Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements 

Before and After the LCRMR

Requirements Under the 1991 LCR* Requirements Under the LCRMR

What are a system’s obligations regarding replacement of the privately-owned portion of the line?

A system had to notify the user/building owner

served by the line that it was replacing the portion

of the line that it owns.

A system had to offer to replace the privatelyowned portion of the lead service line at the

owner’s expense. Note: Prior to the LCRMR, the

rule was not clear whether the offer was to be made

to the user or building owner.

A system must notify the owner of the line, or the

owner’s authorized agent, that the system is

replacing the portion of the lead service line that it

owns [See §141.84(d)].

A system must offer to replace the building owner’s

portion of the line at the owner’s expense [See

§141.84(d)]. If any local or State laws preclude

such a requirement, a system is not required to

either offer to replace, or to actually replace the

line. A system is also not required to replace the

privately-owned portion if the owner refuses to pay

for this portion of the replacement. 

What are a system’s obligations to its customers if it does not replace the entire line?

For each resident served by a partially-replaced

line, a system had to offer to collect and analyze a

first-flush tap sample, after the system had

completed the partial replacement. This sample

would have been collected at the tap of each

resident that had accepted the system’s sampling

offer.

A system has to notify each resident that is served

by a partially-replaced line that, after the system

has completed the partial replacement, it will collect

a sample representative of the water in the service

line and have it analyzed for lead [See

§141.84(d)(1)]. The system is not required to offer

to collect samples for each affected resident. 

Rather, the system is just required to collect a

representative service line sample [See

§141.84(d)(1)]. Therefore, for a multi-family

dwelling, only one representative sample must be

collected, preferably at the first tap leading into the

building [See §141.84(d)(1)].

A system also has to notify all residents served by

the partially-replaced line that they may have a

temporary increase of lead levels in their water [See

§141.84(d)(1)]. With this, the system must provide

guidance on measures consumers can take to

minimize their exposure to lead [See

§141.84(d)(1)] 
Differences in Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements 

Before and After the LCRMR

Requirements Under the 1991 LCR* Requirements Under the LCRMR

Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

8

When must a system provide notification of the planned partial lead service line replacement?

Prior to the LCRMR, a notification schedule was

not specified.

A system must provide notification at least 45 days

before it begins the partial replacement [See

§141.84(d)(1)]. However, if a system’s line

replacement is in conjunction with emergency

repairs, the State may allow for a shorter

timeframe.

When must a system collect the sample and provide the results?

If resident(s) accepted the system’s offer, the

system had to collect the sample(s) and report

results to the resident(s) within 14 days following

the partial line replacement.

A system must collect the sample within 72 hours of

completing the partial replacement and report the

results within 3 business days of receiving the

results [See §141.84(d)(1)].

Who pays for the analysis?

The Rule did not specify. The system.

Who must a system report the results to?

A system had to report the results to residents. In general, a system must report to both the building

owner(s) and the resident(s) that are served by the

partially-replaced line [See §141.84(d)(1)]. Note

that both are notified because many multi-family

dwellings are not owned by the occupants (e.g.,

apartment buildings). A system also must submit

these monitoring results to the State within the first

ten days of the month following that in which the

system receives the results [See §141.90(e)(4)]. 

However, the LCRMR give States the option to

modify a system’s reporting requirements, so the

system should check with the State to be sure of the

specific requirements.

How should a system notify users that it is replacing a portion of the line and of the sample results?

The Rule did not specify how to notify users. A system must notify residents by mail [See

§141.84(d)(2)]. However, for multi-family

dwellings, a system can post the notification in a

conspicuous common-use area of the building. 

Also, systems may be able to use other Stateapproved methods of notifying residents.

*Includes 1994 court ruling that revised the definition of control to include only those portions of the line that the

system owned.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

9

What Type of Information Must A

System Report to the State?

The LCRMR require that a system report

analytical results to the State for the samples that

the system collected following partial lead service

line replacement [See §141.90(e)(4)]. The

system must submit these results to the State

within the first ten days of the month following

the month in which the system receives the

results [See §141.90(e)(4)]. For example, if a

system collected samples in September, and

received the results during September, then it

would be required to submit these to the State no

later than October 10th. 

A system can submit all of the partial lead

service line monitoring results that it receives

during any one month in a single report to the

State. However, a system cannot save

monitoring results from month to month and

submit them collectively to the State in one

report, without State approval. The LCRMR

allow the State to eliminate or modify the

reporting of post-partial replacement sample

results. This also means that the State can

require the system to report additional

information. To be certain of its reporting

requirements, a system should check with the

State.

Remember: If a system does not exceed the lead action level in tap

water monitoring for 2 consecutive monitoring periods, and the system

has properly submitted the results to the State, the system can stop

replacing its lead service lines. 

However, if at any time after this, the system does exceed the lead action

level, it will have to resume the replacement process [See §141.84(f)].
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

10

What Key Points Should A System Remember?

L A system is not subject to the partial lead service line notification and reporting

requirements whenever it replaces an ENTIRE lead service line [See §141.84(d)].

L If a system does not own the entire lead service line, the system must contact the

owner(s) or their agents and offer to replace their portion of the lead service line [See

§141.84(d)].

L The system does not have to pay for replacement of the privately-owned portion. It is

the line owner’s responsibility.

L A system is not required to replace the privately-owned portion of the line if the local

or State regulations preclude the system from doing so, or if the owner decides not to

pay for the replacement of the privately-owned portion.

L A system must provide notification to affected customers at least 45 days before

beginning partial lead service line replacement, (although the system should check

with the State to see if they allow exceptions in the case of emergency repairs) [See

§141.84(d)(1)].

L A system must tell the residents of buildings with partial line replacement about the

following: 

• that they may have a temporary increase in lead levels after the partial line

replacement;

• what they can do to minimize their exposure to lead; and 

• that the system will collect a sample after the replacement is done [See

§141.84(d)(1)].

L A system must collect a sample that is representative of the water in the lead service

line within 72 hours of completing the partial replacement and have it analyzed for

lead [See §141.84(d)(1)].

L A system must report the results to the owners and residents served by the line within 3

business days of receiving the results [See §141.84(d)(1)].

L A system must also report these results to the State, unless the State specifies

otherwise. The State may eliminate this reporting requirement or require the system to

submit other information to demonstrate that the system has met its partial lead service

line requirements [See §141.90(e)(4)].
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-1

APPENDIX A

Example Notification Language

PWS Notification Requirements for Lead Service Line (LSL)

Replacement 

EPA has included a combined flowchart and timeline to provide systems with a quick

reference and overview of the various notification requirements related to lead service

line replacement.

Suggested Language for Line Replacement Offer to Private Line

Owners

This is an example of language that can be used to contact owners to determine if they

want their portion of the lead service line replaced by the system during its planned line

replacement. The response to this notice is not a binding contract, but an indication of

which privately-owned portions of lead service lines may need to be replaced, and which

customers will be affected by partial replacement. 

Notification of Planned Partial Lead Service Line Replacement

This is example language for the notification which a system is required to send/post to

customers at least 45 days prior to a partial line replacement. Customers that live in

homes/buildings for which the service lines are being fully replaced will not need to be

notified. 

With this notification, a system is required to provide guidance on lead minimizing

measures. EPA has provided systems with a list of lead minimizing techniques that

systems can include in their packages or posting to these customers. 

Notification of Lead Service Line Sample Results 

EPA has provided two sets of example language for notifying customers of the results of

post-replacement lead tests based on whether the lead level is less than or equal to 0.015

mg/L or, is above this level. 

Example 1: If Results are Less than or Equal to 0.015 mg/L

Example 2: If Results are Greater than 0.015 mg/L

EPA recommends that the consumer guidance for minimizing lead in drinking water

accompany the notifications, in the case where lead levels exceed 0.015 mg/L.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-2

Offer to owners/agents to

replace LSLs

Suggested language pages

A-3 through A-6

(Optional to include the type

of information on page A-6)

Negotiate

contracts and

financial

agreements where

necessary

ENTIRE

PARTIAL

45 days prior to replacement, notify all served

by LSL to be partially replaced that

replacement process may cause temporary

increased lead levels; provide guidance for

minimizing lead

Suggested language on pages A-7 & A-8

Collect representative line sample within 72

hours of completing partial line replacement

NO FURTHER

NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS

Line replacement process completed

(timeframe will vary)

Timeline for LSL Replacement Notification Requirements

Send/post results to all served by partially

replaced line within 3 business days of

receiving results

Suggested language varies with results, see

pages A-9 & A-10

(Optional to include the type of

information on page A-11)

Send results to State no later than 10th day of

the month following receipt of results

Reporting requirements may vary by State,

check with the appropriate State official

Determine amount

of LSL to replace

45 daysAt least

72 hours 3 business days 1-6 weeks

Lab analyzes sample

and system receives results

Line replacement process begins

(not to scale)

PWS Notification Requirements for Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-3

Example Language for Line Replacement Offer to Private Line OwnersThe

notice below could be used as a “screening letter”, to determine which line owners will be interested in having their

lines replaced. The letter below is not intended to serve as a final contractual agreement for those who accept a

system’s replacement offer. 

Specific dates and deadlines have been left blank. Individual judgement should be used in determining the necessary

timelines for responses and contractual agreements. If a system’s line replacement project is in conjunction with

emergency repairs, note that the system should contact private line owners, as soon as possible during the course of

the emergency repairs. In such a case, the language below can be used as a template, although some changes will

need to be made.

<month, day, year> Page 1 of 4

NOTICE TO LEAD SERVICE LINE OWNERS

REGARDING LINE REPLACEMENT

We will begin replacing a portion of lead service lines owned by <insert water system name> that carry

water into your home/building on <month, day, year>. Our comprehensive treatment program did not

bring lead levels in your community below 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L), thus, replacing lead service

lines is now the best way to reduce lead in your drinking water. <insert water system name> is taking

every possible step to minimize lead levels in your drinking water. We have determined, along with EPA

and the State, that it is necessary to replace some of the lead service lines that distribute water in this

community. These lines were installed before it was known that lead in drinking water poses a health

hazard. 

In fulfillment of both Federal and State regulations, we are offering to replace the portion of the lead

service line that you own, while we are in the process of replacing the sections of the service line that we

own. Any portion of your line that you choose to have us replace must be paid for by you.

1

 

On the following page, entitled: “Deciding Whether to Replace Your Lead Service Line”, we have outlined

some important issues that you should consider in determining whether you will participate in our planned

line replacement. Also attached is a confirmation form. If you indicate on this form that you would like

us to replace your line, we will contact you by <month, day, year (XX days prior to start date)>. If we

do not receive a response from you by <month, day, year>, we will assume that you choose not to

participate in this line replacement project.

If you have any further questions regarding this matter contact <name> at <phone>.

1

 According to Federal regulation §141.84(d): “A water system shall replace that portion of the lead service line that it owns. 

In cases where the system does not own the entire lead service line, the system shall notify the owner of the line, or the

owner’s authorized agent, that the system will replace the portion of the service line that it owns and shall offer to replace the

owner’s portion of the line. A system is not required to bear the cost of replacing the privately-owned portion of the line, nor

is it required to replace the privately-owned portion where the owner chooses not to pay the cost of replacing the privatelyowned portion of the line, or where replacing the privately-owned portion would be precluded by State, local or common law.

...”
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-4

Page 2 of 4

DECIDING WHETHER TO REPLACE YOUR SERVICE LINE:

• As noted above, our comprehensive treatment program did not bring the lead levels in your

community below 0.015 mg/L. Replacing lead service lines is now the best alternative to

minimize lead in your drinking water. This process should bring the lead levels to below 0.015

mg/L, as long as your building does not contain high-risk plumbing materials such as, lead pipes,

lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, or brass and chrome-plated brass faucets. 

• If the drinking water in your home/building was not specifically tested for lead, we recommend

that you have your water tested. The cost of the lead test is about $___. The following is a list

of some State-approved laboratories in your area that you can call to have your water tested for

lead. 

<Insert names and phone numbers of at least two laboratories>

If your lead levels are above 0.015 mg/L, you should consider having your lines replaced during our

planned replacement project.

If you do have your lead service line replaced:

• Depending on the length of your portion of the service line, your expenses could range from

$_____ to $_____.

• Please be aware that there may be some inconvenience during the replacement process. It will be

necessary for the land above the line to be excavated during the replacement. To the extent

possible, this land will be returned to its original state upon completion of the replacement.

• As noted above, there is no guarantee that lead levels will be reduced after replacement,

particularly if your plumbing contains high-risk materials. We recommend that you have your

water tested for lead after replacement is completed. If the levels of lead in your water remain

above 0.015 mg/L after the line replacement, we urge you to take every step possible to ensure

that your drinking water is safe. A list of lead-minimizing techniques, entitled, “How to Reduce

Lead in Drinking Water”, is included as the last page of this notice.

If you do not have your lead service line replaced:

• If you choose not to have your lines replaced, you and others who drink the water in your

home/building may be exposed to higher levels of lead in your drinking water. The greatest risk is

to young children (especially under age 6) and pregnant women. Amounts of lead that won’t hurt

adults can slow down normal mental and physical development in the growing bodies of children. 

• We urge you to take every step possible to ensure that your drinking water is safe. If you choose

not to have your lines replaced, please refer to the list of lead-minimizing techniques that we have

enclosed, entitled, “How to Reduce Lead in Your Drinking Water”.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-5

Page 3 of 4

YES, I WANT TO HAVE MY LEAD SERVICE LINES REPLACED

I, the undersigned, request that the <insert water system name> water system replace the portion

of lead service line which I own. I understand that during the replacement process, the land above

this line will be excavated, and that there may be some temporary increases in lead in the drinking

water related to this replacement process. I understand that, although it is most likely that my

lead levels will be decreased to below 0.015 mg/L as a result of this line replacement, there is no

guarantee that levels will decrease after the replacement is complete. I understand that this

document is not a binding contract for the line replacement, and I will make myself available for

communications and signing of a contractual agreement with <insert water system name> by no

later than <day, month, year>.

I understand that I am responsible for the costs of replacing the portion of the line that I own.

___________________________________

Printed Name

___________________________________ ___________________

Signature Date

NO, I DO NOT WISH TO HAVE MY LEAD SERVICE LINES

REPLACED

I, the undersigned, choose not to have the <system name> water system replace the portion of

lead service line which I own. 

___________________________________

Printed Name

___________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-6

Page 4 of 4

HOW TO REDUCE LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

1. Flush Your Taps.

For most of you, flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive way you can help protect your family’s health. 

Flushing usually uses less than one or two gallons of water and costs only a few cents per month. To flush, let

the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone

unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in your plumbing, the more lead it may contain. 

Since your building most likely has a lead service line to the water main, you should run the cold water faucet

until the water has significant temperature change, and then approximately for an additional minute, before

drinking. To conserve water, fill a couple of bottles with water after flushing the tap, and when possible use

the first flush water to wash dishes or water plants.

2. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking.

Try not to cook with, or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than

cold water. If you need hot water for consumption, heat water from the cold tap on the stove. 

3. Remove debris from faucet strainers regularly. 

Remove loose lead solder and debris that may accumulate in your faucet strainers due to the recent lead service

line replacement. You can do this by removing the faucet strainers from all taps and running the water from 3

to 5 minutes. Thereafter, periodically remove the strainers and flush out any debris that has accumulated over

time. 

4. Install a Point of Use / home treatment device. 

Tap filter These home treatment devices are limited in that each unit treats only the water that flows from the

faucet to which it is connected, and all of them require periodic regular maintenance and replacement. Devices

such as reverse osmosis systems or distillers can effectively remove lead from your drinking water. Some

activated carbon filters may reduce lead levels at the tap, however, all lead reduction claims should be

investigated. One way to do this is to look for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mark. 

NSF tests and verifies products, such as drinking water treatment units, to determine whether they comply with

specific standards, including the claims made by the manufacturer. Those products that pass the NSF’s

standards can bear the NSF mark. If you want more information about drinking water treatment devices, you

can contact NSF at (800-NSF-8010) or visit their web site at www.nsf.com. 

Countertop filter Filtering systems are now widely available at most home-goods or department stores. 

Again, filters that pass NSF’s testing criteria will carry the NSF mark. It is important to follow the product

usage and filter replacement instructions. Leaving a filter in for longer than its recommended life can actually

cause levels of lead or other contaminants to increase, because of accumulation in the filter. In addition, there

is potential for accumulation of bacterial contamination.

5. Purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.

6. Replace internal plumbing such as faucets.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-7

Example Language for Notification of 

Planned Partial Lead Service Line Replacement

A system must notify the residents of the building(s) for which the system is replacing only a portion of the lead

service line (i.e., for those buildings which the owner/agents of the connecting lead service lines declined to have their

portion of the line replaced) [See §141.84(d)(1)]. The system’s notification must be sent at least 45 days prior to the

partial replacement [See §141.84(d)(1)]. However, some States allow less than a 45-day notice in the case of

emergency repairs. In this instance, the system should notify customers as soon as possible. The system should

check with the State to clarify the specific allowances that apply to the system. EPA has provided systems with

recommended language for this notification below. Along with this notification, systems are required to provide

guidance to consumers on how to minimize lead in their drinking water [See §141.84(d)(1)]. Recommended

language for this consumer guidance is also provided below.

<month, day, year> Page 1 of 2

NOTICE TO WATER USERS

To bring you the safest drinking water possible, we will begin replacing service lines that carry water into

your building on <month, day, year>. 

<insert water system name> is taking every possible step to minimize lead levels in your drinking water. 

We have determined, along with EPA and the State, that it is necessary to replace some of the lead service

lines that distribute water in this community. These lines were installed before it was known that lead in

drinking water poses a health hazard. 

Because ownership of the line that services your building is shared jointly between <insert water system

name> and the owner of the building, only the portion of the line owned by <insert water system name>

will be replaced. In some instances, this may cause a temporary increase in the levels of lead in your

drinking water. As you may know, lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters

your body. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells

and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women. Even small amounts of lead can

slow down normal mental and physical development of growing bodies. Until the lead levels stabilize, we

recommend that you take the precautionary measures, such as those discussed on the next page, entitled,

“How to Reduce Lead in Your Drinking Water”.

In addition, we will collect a sample that is representative of the lead levels in the newly replaced service

line. We will collect this sample within 72 hours of completing our line replacement and have it analyzed

for lead. We may contact you to ask you if a sample can be collected at one of your faucets. Regardless of

where we collect the sample, we will be notifying you of the results within three business days of when we

receive the results.

If you have any questions regarding this matter contact ________ at _________.

Please look for our notice with the results of the lead analysis soon after the lead

service line replacement is completed.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-8

Page 2 of 2

HOW TO REDUCE LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

1. Flush Your Taps.

For most of you, flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive way you can help protect your family’s health. 

Flushing usually uses less than one or two gallons of water and costs only a few cents per month. To flush, let

the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone

unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in your plumbing, the more lead it may contain. 

Since your building most likely has a lead service line to the water main, you should run the cold water faucet

until the water has significant temperature change, and then approximately for an additional minute, before

drinking. To conserve water, fill a couple of bottles with water after flushing the tap, and when possible use

the first flush water to wash dishes or water plants.

2. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking.

Try not to cook with, or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than

cold water. If you need hot water for consumption, heat water from the cold tap on the stove. 

3. Remove debris from faucet strainers regularly. 

Remove loose lead solder and debris that may accumulate in your faucet strainers due to the recent lead service

line replacement. You can do this by removing the faucet strainers from all taps and running the water from 3

to 5 minutes. Thereafter, periodically remove the strainers and flush out any debris that has accumulated over

time. 

4. Install a Point of Use / home treatment device. 

Tap filter These home treatment devices are limited in that each unit treats only the water that flows from the

faucet to which it is connected, and all of them require periodic regular maintenance and replacement. Devices

such as reverse osmosis systems or distillers can effectively remove lead from your drinking water. Some

activated carbon filters may reduce lead levels at the tap, however, all lead reduction claims should be

investigated. One way to do this is to look for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mark. 

NSF tests and verifies products, such as drinking water treatment units, to determine whether they comply with

specific standards, including the claims made by the manufacturer. Those products that pass the NSF’s

standards can bear the NSF mark. If you want more information about drinking water treatment devices, you

can contact NSF at (800-NSF-8010) or visit their web site at www.nsf.com. 

Countertop filter Filtering systems are now widely available at most home-goods or department stores. 

Again, filters that pass NSF’s testing criteria will carry the NSF mark. It is important to follow the product

usage and filter replacement instructions. Leaving a filter in for longer than its recommended life can actually

cause levels of lead or other contaminants to increase, because of accumulation in the filter. In addition, there

is potential for accumulation of bacterial contamination.

5. Purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.

6. Replace internal plumbing such as faucets.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-9

Example Language for Notification of Lead Service Line Sample Results

Within 72 hours of completing its line replacement project, a system is required to collect a representative service

line sample and have it tested for lead [See §141.84(d)(1)]. A system is required to send the results of these tests

to those served by the partially-replaced line within three business days of receiving the results [See

§141.84(d)(1)]. Depending on the results, EPA recommends slightly different language for this customer

notification. Recommended language is provided below for the two possible scenarios: if results are less than or

equal to 0.015 mg/L (example 1), and if results are greater than 0.015 mg/L (example 2). In the latter case

(example 2), EPA recommends that systems provide guidance to consumers on how to minimize lead in their

drinking water.

Example 1: If Results are Less than or Equal to 0.015 mg/L

<month, day, year> Page 1 of 1

NOTICE TO WATER USERS

On <day, month, year> we completed replacing the portion of the lead service lines owned by <insert

water system name>, which carry water into your building. We collected a representative service line

sample for lead after completing our line replacement. This sample was collected from <kitchen

tap/bathroom tap/direct line tap> on <day, month, year>. The laboratory analysis yielded the following

results:

Lead: xxx mg/L 

This is below 0.015 mg/L. This precautionary test shows that our line replacement efforts are working to

reduce the levels of lead in your drinking water. 

However, because there are other factors that could contribute to high lead levels in your drinking water, we

urge you to find out whether you need to take further action by having the drinking water in your

home tested. Contributing factors can include materials within your home plumbing system, such as lead

pipes, lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, or brass and chrome-plated brass faucets. The cost of a

lead test is about $___.

The following is a list of some State-approved laboratories in your area that you can call to have your water

tested for lead. 

<Insert names and phone numbers of at least two laboratories>

If you have already had the drinking water in your home tested, with results showing low levels of lead, no

further testing is likely to be necessary. 

We will continue to monitor for lead levels in the drinking water delivered to our customers as required by

Federal and State law. We will notify you through our lead public education efforts if lead levels above

0.015 mg/L persist in more than 10 percent of these samples. The safety of your drinking water is our first

priority.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-10

Example Language for Notification of Lead Service Line Sample Results, continued

Note again that within 72 hours of completing its line replacement project, a system is required to collect a

representative service line sample and have it tested for lead [See §141.84(d)(1)]. The system is required to send

the results of these tests to those served by the partially-replaced line within three business days of receiving the

results [See §141.84(d)(1)]. If results are greater than 0.015 mg/L, EPA recommends that systems provide

guidance to consumers on how to minimize lead in their drinking water. Recommended language for this

consumer guidance is provided below.

Example 2: If Results are Greater than 0.015 mg/L

<month, day, year> Page 1 of 2

NOTICE TO WATER USERS

On <month, day, year> we completed replacing the lead service lines owned by <insert water system name>,

which carry water into your building. We collected a representative service line sample for lead after

completing our line replacement. This sample was collected from <kitchen tap/bathroom tap/direct line tap>

on <month, day, year>. The laboratory analysis yielded the following results:

Lead: xxx mg/L

This amount of lead is above 0.015 mg/L. These results may indicate, that despite our best efforts to remove

lead from the water supply, lead levels in some homes or buildings may still be high. 

Although this elevated level of lead is most likely to be temporary, we urge you to find out whether you need

to take action in your own home by having your drinking water tested. Testing the water is essential

because you cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water, and because there are a variety of factors that

can contribute to high levels of lead in your drinking water. Contributing factors can include materials within

your home plumbing system, such as lead pipes, lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, or brass and

chrome-plated brass faucets. The cost of a lead test is about $___.

The following is a list of some State-approved laboratories in your area that you can call to have your water

tested for lead. 

<Insert names and phone numbers of at least two laboratories>

Note that if you have already had the drinking water in your home tested, with results showing low levels of

lead, no further testing is likely to be necessary. 

The safety of your drinking water is our first priority. We will continue to monitor for lead levels in the

drinking water delivered to our customers as required by Federal and State law. We will notify you through

our lead public education efforts if lead levels above 0.015 mg/L persist in more than 10 percent of these

samples. 

Remember that lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much of it enters your body. Lead builds

up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. If you choose

not to have your lines replaced, you and others who drink the water in your home/building may be exposed to

higher levels of lead in your drinking water. The greatest risk is to young children (especially under age 6) and

pregnant women. Amounts of lead that won’t hurt adults can slow down normal mental and physical

development in the growing bodies of children. We have summarized several steps that you can take to help

ensure that the water that you consume is safe. Please refer to the next page entitled, “How to Reduce Lead in

Your Drinking Water”. 
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

A-11

Page 2 of 2

HOW TO REDUCE LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

1. Flush Your Taps.

For most of you, flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive way you can help protect your family’s health. 

Flushing usually uses less than one or two gallons of water and costs only a few cents per month. To flush, let

the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone

unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in your plumbing, the more lead it may contain. 

Since your building most likely has a lead service line to the water main, you should run the cold water faucet

until the water has significant temperature change, and then approximately for an additional minute, before

drinking. To conserve water, fill a couple of bottles with water after flushing the tap, and when possible use

the first flush water to wash dishes or water plants.

2. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking.

Try not to cook with, or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than

cold water. If you need hot water for consumption, heat water from the cold tap on the stove. 

3. Remove debris from faucet strainers regularly. 

Remove loose lead solder and debris that may accumulate in your faucet strainers due to the recent lead service

line replacement. You can do this by removing the faucet strainers from all taps and running the water from 3

to 5 minutes. Thereafter, periodically remove the strainers and flush out any debris that has accumulated over

time. 

4. Install a Point of Use / home treatment device. 

Tap filter These home treatment devices are limited in that each unit treats only the water that flows from the

faucet to which it is connected, and all of them require periodic regular maintenance and replacement. Devices

such as reverse osmosis systems or distillers can effectively remove lead from your drinking water. Some

activated carbon filters may reduce lead levels at the tap, however, all lead reduction claims should be

investigated. One way to do this is to look for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mark. 

NSF tests and verifies products, such as drinking water treatment units, to determine whether they comply with

specific standards, including the claims made by the manufacturer. Those products that pass the NSF’s

standards can bear the NSF mark. If you want more information about drinking water treatment devices, you

can contact NSF at (800-NSF-8010) or visit their web site at www.nsf.com. 

Countertop filter Filtering systems are now widely available at most home-goods or department stores. 

Again, filters that pass NSF’s testing criteria will carry the NSF mark. It is important to follow the product

usage and filter replacement instructions. Leaving a filter in for longer than its recommended life can actually

cause levels of lead or other contaminants to increase, because of accumulation in the filter. In addition, there

is potential for accumulation of bacterial contamination.

5. Purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.

6. Replace internal plumbing such as faucets.
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

B-1

APPENDIX B

Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions 

that Relate to Partial Lead Service Line 

Notification and Reporting Requirements

 §141.84(b)

 §141.84(d)

 §141.86(b)(3)

 §141.90(e)(4)
Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

B-2

Appendix B

Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions that Relate to Partial Lead Service Line

Notification and Reporting Requirements

§141.84(b): The following section requires a system to replace the portion of the lead service line that it

owns.

A water system shall replace annually at least 7 percent of the initial number of lead service lines in its

distribution system. The initial number of lead service lines is the number of lead lines in place at the time the

replacement program begins. The system shall identify the initial number of lead service lines in its

distribution system, including an identification of the portion(s) owned by the system, based on a materials

evaluation, including the evaluation required under §141.86(a) and relevant legal authorities (e.g., contracts,

local ordinances) regarding the portion owned by the system. The first year of lead service line replacement

shall begin on the date the action level was exceeded in tap sampling referenced in paragraph (a) of this

section. 

§141.84(d): The following section contains language that explains: to whom a system must make the offer

to replace the privately-owned portion of the line; what information must be included in the system’s

notification; and how the system must provide this notification.

A water system shall replace that portion of the lead service line that it owns. In cases where the system does

not own the entire lead service line, the system shall notify the owner of the line, or the owner’s authorized

agent, that the system will replace the portion of the service line that it owns and shall offer to replace the

owner’s portion of the line. A system is not required to bear the cost of replacing the privately-owned portion

of the line, nor is it required to replace the privately-owned portion where the owner chooses not to pay the

cost of replacing the privately-owned portion of the line, or where replacing the privately-owned portion would

be precluded by State, local or common law. A water system that does not replace the entire length of the

service line also shall complete the following tasks.

(1) At least 45 days prior to commencing with the partial replacement of a lead service line, the water system

shall provide notice to the resident(s) of all buildings served by the line explaining that they may experience a

temporary increase of lead levels in their drinking water, along with guidance on measures consumers can take

to minimize their exposure to lead. The State may allow the water system to provide notice under the previous

sentence less than 45 days prior to commencing partial lead service line replacement where such replacement is

in conjunction with emergency repairs. In addition, the water system shall inform the resident(s) served by the

line that the system will, at the system’s expense, collect a sample from each partially-replaced lead service

line that is representative of the water in the service line for analysis of lead content, as prescribed under

§141.86(b)(3), within 72 hours after the completion of the partial replacement of the service line. The system

shall collect the sample and report the results of the analysis to the owner and the resident(s) served by the line

within three business days of receiving the results. Mailed notices post-marked within three business days of

receiving the results shall be considered “on time”. 

(2) The water system shall provide the information required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section to the

residents of individual dwellings by mail or by other methods approved by the State. In instances where multifamily dwellings are served by the line, the water system shall have the option to post the information at a

conspicuous location.
Lead and Copper Rule Minor Revisions that Relate to Partial Lead Service Line

Notification and Reporting Requirements

Notification and Reporting Requirements for Partial LSLR April 2000

B-3

§141.86(b)(3): The following section was NOT amended by the LCRMR. It is included here for the

convenience of the reader, as the sampling procedure described here is referenced above in §141.84(d).

(3) Each service line sample shall be one liter in volume and have stood motionless in the lead service line for

at least six hours. Lead service line samples shall be collected in one of the following three ways: 

(i) At the tap after flushing the volume of water between the tap and the lead service line. The volume of

water shall be calculated based on the interior diameter and length of the pipe between the tap and the lead

service line; 

(ii) Tapping directly into the lead service line; or 

(iii) If the sampling site is a building constructed as a single-family residence, allowing the water to run

until there is a significant change in temperature which would be indicative of water that has been standing in

the lead service line. 

§141.90(e)(4): The following section adds a requirement for systems to report information to the State that

demonstrates compliance with partial lead service line replacement requirements.

Any system which collects lead service line samples following partial lead service line replacement required by

§141.84 shall report the results to the State within the first ten days of the month following the month in which

the system receives the laboratory results, or as specified by the State. States, at their discretion may eliminate

this requirement to report these monitoring results. Systems shall also report any additional information as

specified by the State, and in a time and manner prescribed by the State, to verify that all partial lead service

line replacement activities have taken place.