Ensuring Lead and Copper Free Water is a Community Effort
At EVMWD, we are committed to providing clean, safe and reliable tap water to our customers. Each year, EVMWD meets or exceeds state and Federal standards by performing more than 17,000 water quality tests on its drinking water. Per state standards, EVMWD conducts tap water testing for the presence of lead and copper, in homes built prior to 1986, which are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder.
Lead Awareness and Our Water System
At EVMWD, your health and safety are our top priority. Lead can be harmful if present in drinking water, but we’re proud to share that our thorough review of pipeline materials found no lead service lines in our water system.
What is Lead and Why Does it Matter?
Lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water through old plumbing materials. Exposure to lead can pose health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Fortunately, our water system does not contain lead service lines, ensuring your water supply from EVMWD is safe to drink. More information about lead and how to reduce your exposure can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/lead
Common Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
The biggest sources of lead in water are lead pipes, especially in older homes or cities built before 1986. If a home has a lead pipe connecting it to the main water supply, that pipe is usually the main source of lead.
Even homes without lead service lines may still have small amounts of lead in their water from:
- Brass faucets
- Older plumbing parts
- Lead-based solder used in pipes and fittings
Over time, these materials can wear down and release lead into the water.
How Do We Know?
To meet the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, we reviewed:
- Historical records, including construction codes, State and Local lead bans, and service line data.
- Distribution system maps and maintenance records.
- Results from inspections during routine water meter maintenance and replacements.
- And performed inspections on pipes in our system, as required by U.S. EPA rules.
After a comprehensive review, we confirmed that EVMWD has no lead or galvanized requiring replacement (GRR) service lines in either public or private connections.
For a detailed look, read our Non-Lead Statement.
We need you!
EVMWD offers free water testing for copper and lead for your home. We will provide the sample kit, you provide your tap water on the scheduled pickup date. That’s it! EVMWD will follow up with your water results.
No staff will need to enter your home, just leave the sample on your porch for pick up.
No cost to participate.
Ready to take action*?
Please email us at OpsDispatch@evmwd.net or call (951) 674-3146 x 8395
*Note: Homes with water softeners/conditioners cannot be used for this testing program
