Central ND News

Recently, Mandan utility customers received letters about the next phase of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) project. This initiative aims to eliminate lead from drinking water pipes.

Under LCRR, the North Dakota Department of Health and EPA require water systems to notify customers annually if they have unknown, galvanized, or lead service lines. "If you have an unknown service line, it doesn’t mean you have a lead service line," says Eric Lothspeich, AE2S Consultant for the City of Mandan project.

The letter recipients were informed that both sides of their curb stop need identification. If one side remains unidentified, the entire line is classified as unknown. City records were checked for materials between the curb stop and water main; lack of records led to an "unknown" classification.

Earlier this year, a public survey aimed to identify materials between curb stops and homes. Non-respondents or those with inconclusive evidence also received an "unknown" classification.

All service lines will eventually need identification. Those with "unknown" lines are encouraged to contact Mandan Public Works at 701-667-3240 if they know their line material.

Testing for lead service lines is available through state-certified laboratories, though fees may apply. Non-recipients of recent letters can assume their lines do not contain lead and require no further action.

The project will continue until all inventories are complete. The City has applied for funding through the drinking water state revolving fund to replace identified lead lines.

Further details are available at cityofmandan.com/lcrr. The City collaborates with engineering consultant AE2S on this inventory effort, funded by a contract with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and AE2S.