Lodi Utilities is conducting a water service inventory as part of a state and federal initiative aimed at protecting public health, particularly to address the risks associated with lead in drinking water. Here are the main reasons why we are taking this step:
Federal and State Regulations
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA has set national standards and guidelines for reducing lead exposure in drinking water. The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was updated in 2021 to require water systems across the country to identify and replace lead service lines.
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Wisconsin, like many other states, is following these federal regulations and requires water utilities to submit an initial inventory by Oct. 16, 2024. This requirement is a records review, not a field verification.
Following these regulations, we have submitted our initial inventory. We are also required to notify all customers who have a service of lead, galvanized, or an unknown material. These notices were mailed on November 13, 2024.
This is the first step, and will be continuously updated by the utility. We are working to identify unknown locations by reviewing old project plans and identifying service materials as they are encountered during normal operations. An inventory was not required in the past so records were not kept specific to service materials. The Utility will continue to update the unknown materials list, to known materials. We plan to get the number of unknowns down to a manageable number. Then we will physically identify each unknown service.
Having an up-to-date inventory will allow the Utility to plan system upgrades and submit funding requests to ultimately remove lead from our system.
This map will show you the current Service Level Inventory. The left side of the circle is the private/owner's service lateral (curb box to building) and the right side is the utility service line (water main to curb box).
For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water, visit the EPA's website.