Project Overview

The City of Santa Maria is committed to providing safe drinking water to all of its customers by following all Federal and State regulations. The State Water Resources Control Board, in alignment with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), enforces the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The US EPA recently made changes to the LCR with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

To ensure public water systems are reducing lead exposure to their customers, the US EPA is requiring all large public water purveyors to complete a Lead Service Line Inventory (LSL Inventory). The objective of the LSL Inventory is to determine if there are any lead pipes in the water distribution system on both the public (City) and private (Customer) portions.  The initial inventory must be completed and submitted by October 16, 2024.

What is a Water Service Line?

A water service line is the pipe infrastructure that supplies water from the City's main distribution line to the customer's structure. The City operates and maintains the pipe from the main up to and including the water meter. The customer's responsibility begins after the water meter and all the pipe downstream going towards their structure. Water service lines can be made up of several materials such as lead, galvanized steel, copper, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Figure courtesy of City of Palo Alto.

Material Identification Methods

Beginning on January 1, 1986, California Health and Safety Code section 300.6 banned the use of lead solder and lead pipe in the construction of private and public potable water supply systems. Any construction occurring in 1986 to present can be assumed to not contain lead piping and fittings. 

Historically, lead service lines were smaller in size. Therefore, if a service line is 4-inches in diameter or greater, the service line can be considered non-lead. 

Interactive Map Tool

Use this interactive map tool to search for your address and see the results of the Lead Service Line Survey. If you have any questions about this survey, please reach out to the Utilities Department Water Resources Division at (805) 925-0951 ext. 7411.

Routine Lead and Copper Sampling

The City of Santa Maria regularly samples the water supply system for lead and copper to ensure compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. This includes a voluntary residential testing program every three years to test the tap water from homes built between 1983 and 1985 to assess lead and copper levels.  The most recent triennial sample results from September 2022 showed that both lead and copper are below their respective action levels. More information can be found in the City's Water Quality Report.

Additional Resources

US Environmental Protection Agency Revised Lead and Copper Rule

State Water Resources Control Board Lead and Copper Rule for Drinking Water

Basic information from the Environmental Protection Agency about lead in drinking water