OKC to offer free testing of lead and copper water lines

 

Oklahoma City has launched a move to start voluntary testing of lead and copper in older homes.

The city Utilities Department announced it is offering the free testing for water customers who have lead water service lines on their property.

The testing is conducted in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. Those residents who obtain their water form private wells do not qualify.

The eligible customers are those who live in homes built before 1960 or those who have confirmed lead service lines on their property.

The city says residents who might be unsure if their water lines are lead can hire a private plumber or test the lines themselves. The lead lines are dull gray in color and soft enough it can be scratched with a coin or key.

City staff will deliver a testing kit to eligible households. Collect water according to the instructions on the testing kit, and City staff will pick it up within 48 hours. The test results will be added to a database with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, so the City can track homes known to have lead piping. Each participating customer will receive a letter with the test results.

To request testing, call (405) 297-3483 or email water@okc.gov. For more information about lead pipes or the City’s lead testing program, visitokc.gov/water.