Service Line Inventory Program

Program Introduction

In January 2021, the United States Government implemented important amendments to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), reinforcing this regulation through the Lead and Copper Revised Rule (LCRR). These revisions seek to increase public health protection by reducing the potential exposure to lead by the population that uses the drinking water system.

In response to the LCRR established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PRASA has launched the Service Line Inventory Program, an initiative which main objective is to identify a service line's materials for all subscribers of Puerto Rico's drinking water system. This initial inventory is an essential step in protecting public health on the island.

The Lead and Copper Revised Rule (LCRR): A Pillar of Drinking Water Protection

The LCRR is an essential normative that regulates the levels of lead and copper in drinking water. These metals can seep into water through pipes and plumbing materials, posing a health risk, especially for children and pregnant women. The LCRR requires water suppliers to implement proactive measures to reduce lead and copper levels in drinking water systems, ensuring that water that reaches consumers meets safety standards established by the EPA and local agencies, including the Puerto Rico Department of Health.

PRASA's Commitment to Compliance and Transparency

At PRASA, we are firmly committed to complying with this federal mandate and adopting best practices to maintain water quality in Puerto Rico. PRASA recognizes the importance of ensuring that drinking water service lines, particularly those containing lead materials, are identified, evaluated, and, when necessary, replaced to protect the health of residents.

To this end, the Service Line Inventory Program will allow the PRASA to not only meet the requirements of the LCRR, but also provide residents and homeowners with transparent and up-to-date information about the composition of the service lines connected to their homes. This information will be essential to prioritize the replacement of those lines that pose a risk, thus maintaining water safety and quality throughout the island.

Compliance with the LCRR reinforces PRASA's commitment to the health and well-being of all Puerto Ricans.

Our mission is clear: Provide high-quality, safe, reliable, and accessible water and sewerage service to the people of Puerto Rico, protecting their health and the environment.

Components of Drinking Water Service Lines

Una casa demostrando la linea de agua desde el principal hasta la propiedad.

A service line (connected) connects your property to the PRASA drinking water system. This pipeline consists of two parts (determined according to the best criteria of PRASA), namely, the segment or public side, which is the responsibility of PRASA, (including the meter) and which goes to the ball valve, and the segment or private side, which is the responsibility of the customer, which begins at the ball valve. The following describes the main elements of a service line, from the main line to the supply of drinking water to the house or building. The purpose of the definitions is to guide the public on the figure that describes the service line.

Main Water Line
The underground pipe that distributes water from the public system to homes and buildings. It is generally located on the streets and serves multiple properties.
Service Line
The pipe that connects the Main water line with homes and buildings (property). This pipe can be made of materials such as copper, plastic (PVC), galvanized, or lead. This pipe is divided into one part that corresponds to PRASA and the other to the owner of the house or building (property).
Water Meter
A device that measures the amount of water consumed in the house or building (property). It is located on the service line on the side that corresponds to PRASA and allows PRASA to bill based on consumption.
Ball Valve (Water Valve/Shutoff Valve)
A valve that allows you to control or stop the water supply to the property in case of repairs or emergencies. It is usually located after the water meter and is essential for managing water flow.
Property
The building or structure that receives water from the service line. The property's internal piping carries water from the service line to faucets, faucets and appliances.

Classification of Service Lines

The LCRR of the EPA classifies drinking water service lines into several categories depending on the materials used to make them up, with the objective of identifying those that contain lead and require replacement to protect public health. These classifications are essential for water systems to comply with federal regulations. The main categories are described below:

Lead Service Lines
They are pipes made entirely or partially of lead. These lines pose a significant health risk, as lead can contaminate drinking water in pipes. Lead lines must be identified and replaced in accordance with LCRR requirements.
Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR)
They are iron or steel pipes coated with zinc to prevent corrosion. When the pipe is indicated as “GRR” it refers to a galvanized pipe that may have been connected to a lead pipe that was located on the PRASA side at some point or that the material of the service line on the PRASA side is unknown. These must also be replaced, as they can accumulate lead particles over time.
Lead-Free Service Lines
Pipes that have been proven to contain no lead or require replacement. These lines can be made of copper, PVC or other materials. The “lead-free” classification is based on historical records, physical inspections, or documented testing of materials. These pipes do not pose any type of health risk.
Service Lines with Unknown Status
When it is indicated that the pipe 'is of Unknown Material', it means that the materials on one or both sides of the service line have not yet been determined and there is the possibility of being lead, GRR or non-lead. Along these lines, additional research is required to determine the materials, either through excavation, physical inspection or documentation through record review.

Continuous Progress

Compliance with the LCRR is a dynamic process that requires a systematic and continuous approach to ensure the identification and possible replacement of lead and galvanized service lines that require replacement throughout Puerto Rico. In collaboration with contractors, PRASA completed the initial inventory and has implemented a process for continuously updating it to meet the requirements established by the LCRR.

A thorough and progressive analysis of the service lines in the drinking water distribution network has been carried out, using advanced technologies, physical inspection methods, and available records that make it possible to identify the material of the service lines. This process includes the following phases:

Inspecting and Creating Service Line Maps

PRASA is in a continuous process of physically inspecting service lines in various communities, supplementing this work with historical data and available records. Through map development and material analysis tools, an initial inventory that identifies lead lines in the drinking water system has been developed and will continue to be updated. Trained personnel have carried out and continue to carry out inspections and collecting samples and data on the composition of the pipes. This information is critical to creating a detailed and robust database that allows us to prioritize areas with the potential to be most at risk to lead exposure.

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Constant Update and Monitoring

The inventory of service lines is continuously updated as new information is collected, using technological tools that allow real-time monitoring and facilitate the identification of materials from service lines that are still unknown. These updates ensure that the inventory is up to date and accurately reflects the current state of the service lines.

Priority Assessment and Replacement Planning

As the material is identified and each service line is classified, we work together to assess the risk of exposure to lead and to plan for the future replacement of service lines that require it. Areas with the highest risk will receive priority for the replacement of service lines, meeting the deadlines established by the LCRR. PRASA will be communicating opportunities to continue with these initiatives.

FIND THE SERVICE LINE THAT CORRESPONDS TO YOUR AREA

ENTER HERE

MAPA DE EJEMPLO PARA SECCION DE ENCUENTRA LA LINEA DE SERVICIO

Map of the location of Service Lines.

Next Steps

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FUTURE UPDATES AND
TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION

REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR
LEAD SERVICE LINES

COLLABORATIONS

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BENEFITS

Links to Additional Information

Additional information on this regulation can be found at the following links.

Lead in water

Basic information about lead in drinking water, what it can do, and the requirements for drinking water about lead.

Access the portal

Protect your family

Lead from paint, dust, and soil in and around your home can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Access the portal

Lead and Copper Rule

Lead and Copper Revised Rule. The implementation requirements of the Lead and Copper Revised Rule must be met starting October 16, 2024.

Access the portal

Surveillance System

Despite federal regulations to reduce exposure to lead, lead remains a public health problem, as it can be found in lead-based products or the environment.

Access the portal

For additional information, please go to: www.aqueductos.pr.gov, send your query to the email LCRR@acueductospr.com or call the phone (787) 620-2482 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

For more information you can write your query to: aguasegura@salud.pr.gov or access www.health.pr.gov. The Department of Health's phone number is (787) 522-3985.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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