The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to safeguard public health by reducing exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. It is estimated that 6 to 10 million lead service lines remain in use across the country, with pipes being the primary source of lead when present in drinking water. To comply with these regulations, the City of Douglas Water & Wastewater Division has authorized a comprehensive inventory of all water connections within its service area and partnered with ESG Engineering to complete this effort.
Beginning Monday, January 26, 2026, ESG will conduct inspections at properties built before 1990 that are served by the city water system. Crews will dig just behind the water meter/backflow preventer boxes to expose the service line and determine its material. Approximately 1,450 meters will be inspected during this phase, which is expected to take 4–5 weeks. Most inspections will occur on the customer’s side of the water meter, just behind the backflow preventer. These inspections are free of charge, typically take less than 30 minutes, and will not interrupt water service.
To date, no lead service lines have been found. Douglas’s water system was largely constructed after 1990, when lead service lines were no longer used in new installations. However, homes and businesses built before that time must be inspected to confirm the material of their service lines. For standard inspections at the water meter, property owners do not need to be present.
For more information or questions, please contact LSLinventory@esgengineering.com.
