Lead Water Service Line Inventory & Federal Compliance

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) is a federal regulation aimed to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years to protect public health. The City of Amarillo is complying with this requirement by developing an ongoing inventory of all service lines connected to the water system and identifying their materials. 

Water service lines are made up of public and private sections. The city is responsible for identifying the whole service line (both public and private) up to the point of entry (POE). All plumbing from the point of entry throughout the home is not a part of this program.

All water service lines are in the process of being examined by the city to determine the material of which they are made. Since there was a state-wide lead ban in 1988, service lines installed after Jan. 1, 1989, can default to non-lead. Lines that have not been onsite examined are categorized as Unknown. By 2027, all Unknown lines will be evaluated and categorized as:

• Non-lead (PEX, PVC, and Poly)
• Galvanized — Requiring replacement (they may have been connected to lead lines in the past and replacing them ensures safety)
• Lead — Requiring replacement

◼ Click here to read more about the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website.

Water Service Line Notification

The initial inventory of water lines is posted below as of October 16, 2024. Direct notifications will be mailed to all homes, posted by November 15. The notification will note the property’s categorization as Unknown, Galvanized, or Lead. This notification will be provided yearly until the entire service line to the address is no longer Lead, Galvanized or Unknown status.

Your Service Line Assessment

Click on the map below to view service line findings for Amarillo properties. The interactive map will be updated continuously as crews identify and categorize each line.

Enter your address in the “Find address or place” search bar. You can also use the zoom and cursor functions to locate your property.

The circle icon on the property will let you know the current classification. The left half of the icon represents the city’s side of the line, and the right half of the icon indicates the categorization of the private property owner’s side. Use the map’s Legend to see the current categorization.

Information in the inventory is based on the best available information at this time. If you believe your service line has been incorrectly categorized or if you are planning to replace your portion of a water service line, contact the Water Utilities department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.

What steps should I take if my water line is identified as Lead or Galvanized?

If your water service line has been identified as being Lead or Galvanized (risk of lead), recommendations include:

• Review the explanation of health effects of lead.
• Take steps to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.
• Property owners can take steps to replace water lines (contact Water Utilities to coordinate replacement)
• If you believe your service line has been incorrectly categorized or if you are planning to replace your portion of a water service line, contact the Water Utilities department at leadlineinfo@amarillo.gov or 806-378-3000.

What You Can Do to Reduce Lead Exposure

• Use a Certified Lead-Removing Filter: Follow installation and maintenance instructions and replace cartridges as directed.
• Clean Your Faucet Aerator: Regularly clean the aerator to remove sediment and particles that may contain lead.
• Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can dissolve lead more easily.
• Run Your Water: If water has been sitting in the pipes, flush the tap for a few moments before use. The time needed will depend on your plumbing and whether you have a lead service line.

For more information, refer to the links below for EPA resources on lead filters and home filtration tips. 

Additional Lead Resources

◼ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Drinking Water

◼ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Ground Water and Drinking Water

◼ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead Service Line Replacement

The City of Amarillo is developing a water line replacement plan and will complete that plan by end of October 2027.

Program Funding/Costs

The funding or costs to the city and private property owners will be determined as the replacement program is developed.

What should I do if I have further questions or concerns?

Water Utilities Lead Line FAQs