In 2021 US EPA published revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule that are intended to better protect children and communities from lead exposure risks and support efforts to remove lead from drinking water. The revisions require all Public Water Systems to complete an inventory of all service lines connected to their distribution system and develop a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan. The inventory must include the pipe material and other information for both the system-owned and customer-owned portions of the service line between the water main and a structure. The Inventory and Replacement Plan must be submitted by October 16, 2024. 

In working toward a lead-free water distribution system for its customers, The Great Barrington Fire District Water Department applied for and received Financial Assistance under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to complete the water service line inventory and lead service line replacement plan. Activities planned for the project include:

• reviewing existing records that may contain information on the material of each service line

• distributing a survey with instructions so customers may provide information or photos of their service line to help identify the pipe material

• utilizing machine learning and predictive modeling software to locate potential lead service lines

• conducting service line inspections where District staff and/or a contractor will inspection the service line as it enters a customer’s building in person 

• conducting field investigation into lead service lines through vacuum excavation techniques

• providing public education and notification materials to customers and the community regarding lead and development of the inventory and replacement plan

 

The Great Barrington Fire District Water Department is committed to providing its customers with a safe and reliable source of drinking water and regularly conducts sampling for lead in accordance with state and federal requirements. Information regarding lead in drinking water is provided in the District’s Annual Water Quality Report. The District’s website will be updated regularly to include information on the new requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, the status of funding under the DWSRF, and additional details on those activities listed above to develop the inventory. 

 

If you would like to help The Great Barrington Fire District Water Department develop their water service line inventory, please review the information provided on this website with instructions to locate your service line how to determine the material type of your service line, and then complete this customer survey: 

 

 

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