Lead Service Line Inventory

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) to significantly reduce exposure to lead through drinking water. The proposed LCRI strengthens key elements of the rule in three main focus areas:

  1. Identifying and replacing lead service lines

  2. Reducing complexity and improving public health protection

  3. Increasing transparency and informing the public

What does this mean for the residents of Cimarron, Kansas?

In order for the EPA to identify lead service lines, all public water supply systems must conduct a Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) and submit the findings by October 16, 2024. The City of Cimarron has developed an online survey for residents to complete at their earliest convenience that meets the EPA's guidelines. Please allow approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey.

Are you a business owner or landlord with multiple properties within Cimarron?

In the event you have multiple properties to report for the LCRI, feel free to use the spreadsheet below to list all properties in one place. Completed spreadsheets can be emailed to eburns@cimarronks.org or returned to City Hall.

LCRI SPREADSHEET FOR MULTIPLE PROPERTIES

Still have questions about the Lead Service Line Inventory? Below are some helpful resources that can provide answers and guidance as you conduct an inventory of your business or residence.

What makes up a service line?

EPA

How do you know what's in your home?

GALVANIZED PIPE

  • Dull silver-gray color

  • Strong magnet will cling to pipe

  • Is NOT easily scratched with a coin

  • Rigid

  • Pipe will have threads at connections

Galvanized

Galvanized

LEAD PIPE

  • Dull silver-gray color

  • Strong magnet will NOT cling to pipe

  • Is easily scratched with a coin

  • Softer than steel or copper

  • Can have bulbs or slight bends

  • Pipe will not have threads

Lead

Lead

COPPER PIPE

  • Color of a penny

  • Strong magnet will NOT cling to pipe

  • Rigid

Copper

Copper

PVC PIPE

  • White, gray, yellow or off-white

  • "PVC" or "CPVC" printed on pipe

  • Plastic feel

  • Rigid

PVC

HDPE PIPE

  • Typically black in color

  • "HDPE" printed on pipe

  • Plastic feel

  • Rigid

HDPE

PEX PIPE

  • Blue, red, white, gray or clear

  • "PEXa" "PEXb" "PEXc" or "PEX"

  • Flexible, able to bend

PEX

Why is the EPA inventorying lead pipes?

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.

To learn more, click the following links:

EPA 3 Ts Checklist

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Lead Health Risk Presentation

EPA Lead and Copper Rule

Ready to complete the survey?

Still have questions? Feel free to contact the City of Cimarron Water Department at (620) 855-2215.