Local Lead Service Line Inventory now available for community

UPDATE, 2/7/25: An initial line service inventory for the City of Norman was created in October 2024 and property owners received notice in November 2024 if they were listed as having the following service lines:

  • Lead
  • Galvanized requiring replacement
  • Unknown material service line

Based on regulations that were in place during “year-built” dates for given properties, certain homes or businesses were listed as non-lead and this method of inventory was approved by regulatory agencies. New guidance has since required these homes or businesses to be listed as unknown until verification by physical inspection occurs. This has prompted additional notification to more residents from the Norman Utilities Authority.

As regulations continuously change, the City of Norman will continue to adhere to all guidance and instruction provided by regulatory agencies. We strive to maintain open and transparent lines of communication with customers.

As outlined above, all properties not previously notified with our initial inventory will now be notified through certified mail by the end of March 2025.

 

POSTED 10/16/24: As safe drinking water is a topmost priority at the City of Norman, a local lead service line inventory is now available in the form of a map at Normanok.gov/LSLI. The database ensures compliance with recent Lead and Copper Rule Revisions announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The City of Norman has monitored for lead at homes under this Rule since its inception and has never found lead above the action limit,” said Rachel Camp, Vernon Campbell Water Treatment Plant Manager. “We understand, however, that no amount of lead is safe and want to accurately inform residents about service line materials and any risks that may be associated.”

The City of Norman began potholing operations to help create the database last year, which consists of information for both public lines and private lines. Of the 1,300 water lines potholed to date, 20 were identified as lead and will be put on a priority list to be replaced. Following a disturbance to an identified lead line, additional protection measures – such as the use of water filter pitchers – are provided to the impacted residents.

The newly available map will allow residents to search by address to review if water lines at their property are yet identified as a specific material.

“We join municipalities across the country in tackling this issue and coming into line with new standards of the EPA,” Camp said. “It is our goal to keep residents informed and protected as best as possible as work continues.”

As applicable, residents who have replaced lines at properties are asked to report this work to the City of Norman so that the database remains accurate and up-to-date. Instruction and additional information on this process can be found at Normanok.gov/LSLI.

Lead exposure can lead to lifelong and irreversible health issues. Learn more at Epa.gov.

###