The City of Auburn is continuously maintaining and updating Lead Service Line inventory to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The LCRR is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance public health, by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water. The LCRR mandates water systems to assess and document the materials used in both public and private water service lines, publish the results of the inventory, and notify all customers served by known or potential lead service lines. The initial results of the inventory have been published, marking a key milestone in this ongoing effort to document and monitor water service materials across the city. The inventory will continue, and the data will be continuously updated to reflect the most updated and available information. Additionally, if your service line(s) material is identified as containing lead or is categorized as unknown or galvanized requiring replacement, you will receive a written notification from us.

Our Commitment to Safety and Compliance

The City of Auburn has been in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) since its inception in 1991 and through the various revisions of it, conducting required sampling, monitoring, reporting and proactively replacing any known lead components during system upgrades. The initial lead service line inventory under the 2021 LCRR was completed using existing as-built construction records, historical City standards, other known records, inspections, and water sampling data to determine the materials used in service lines throughout the City’s water service area.

Lead in Service Lines: What you Need to Know

There are no known lead service lines in the City of Auburn’s public water system.  The City of Auburn has been using non-lead service line materials since at least 1973. Over the years, the City has systematically replaced older water mains, which have included concurrent replacement of associated service lines. On a national scale, lead pipes, solder and fittings were banned by the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments in 1986. Though the City has records dating back to at least 1973 for materials used on the public side of each meter, homes and buildings built before 1988 could have lead pipes on the private side (from the water meter to the house), making the City’s Water Service Line Inventory Survey crucial for identifying private service line materials.

For clarity:

• Public service line: Owned by the City, extends from the water main to the meter, including an 18-inch tail piece.
• Private service line: Owned by the homeowner, starts behind the tail piece and continues into the property.

In the image below, you can see the breakdown between the public and private portions of the service line.

Importance of the Inventory

The City currently maintains an inventory of public service line materials; however, historically, has not collected material data for private service lines. To be in compliance with the LCRR, the Washington State Department of Health mandates that any service lines marked “Unknown” in lead status be considered lead service lines until proven otherwise. As a result, the City needs to further investigate and document all private water service lines of “Unknown” lead status and needs your help.

How you can help

As part of this continuous nationwide effort, we encourage residents to participate in the City’s Water Service Line Inventory Survey.

If you have additional information about your service line, such as the material or date of replacement, please call the city Utilities Department at 253-931-3010 or email [email protected].

Service Line Data: To ensure transparency, the City of Auburn has published the results of our Lead Service Line Inventory, which will be continuously updated with new information as it becomes available. You can access the results using the link below.

Water Service Line Material Interactive Map

Lead Service Line Inventory FAQs (PDF) 

Replace Other Plumbing That Contains Lead

While the City works to address public water system components, we encourage homeowners to inspect and replace any lead plumbing components on private property. We recommend hiring a licensed and certified plumber to inspect and replace any lead fittings, pipes, or fixtures that may pose a risk in your home.

Immediate Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead Exposure:

If you are concerned about the presence of lead in your home’s plumbing, here are some immediate actions you can take:

• Use a water filter: Ensure your household water filter is certified by reputable standards (such as NSF/ANSI) for lead removal. Check for certification on the packaging before purchasing.
• Flush your taps: Lead levels are highest when water has been sitting stagnant in pipes for several hours. Run cold water for several minutes before use to ensure you’re drawing fresh water from the main. Use this water for plants or toilets to avoid wastage.
• Use cold water for consumption: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as hot water is more likely to dissolve lead from pipes.
• Clean faucet aerators: Aerators, the small screens on faucets, can collect lead particles. Clean them regularly - at least once a month - to reduce the risk of lead accumulation in your drinking water.

Contact Us

The City of Auburn is committed to providing its customers with drinking water that meets all state and federal water quality standards. If you have any further questions, please contact City of Auburn Public Works Department - Engineering at 253-931-3010.