Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised its drinking water standards to better protect children and communities from the potential risks of lead getting into water through the corrosion of outdated plumbing. The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) limit the levels of lead and copper metals in water by improving water treatment centers, replacing water service lines containing lead or galvanized material and educating the public on ways to lessen the risks of lead exposure.

All public water systems in the United States have been required by the EPA to identify the material of all water service lines from the water mains to customer buildings to determine if there are any lead water lines in the system. The Town of Cave Creek has sent a letter to the utility users who may have lead water lines.  If you did not receive a notification from the Town, then it has already been determined that your line is non-lead material. 

Identifying Water Service Line Material

The Town of Cave Creek will be performing inspections for the inventory throughout the system to identify your service line material. The inspections are performed outside and involve visual verification near the water meter. You may also be contacted by staff in the future to help perform an inspection of the service line material where water enters your home to determine the material type. If you wish to pursue your own determination of the material of your line, EPA has developed a guide as https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead.

Service Line Illustration

Sources of Lead

Lead can be found in other common products in your home such as paint, toys, pottery, cosmetics, food, candy, and more. Finding lead in the water systems today is very rare. Learn more: www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead

Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposures can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have an increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system problems.

Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks. More information can be found here. 

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

The Town of Cave Creek has compiled information and guidelines from the EPA on how to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water.  For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/ building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.

Questions and Answers You May Have?

This PDF document may have the answer you're looking for.


Contact Us

For more specific questions about your water service line and quality, please contact the Town of Cave Creek Utilities Department at 480-488-6620 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or email LCR@cavecreekaz.gov.