According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. This includes the service line that carries water to a home or building from the public water main. The federal government banned using leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing in 1986. Missouri’s lead ban became effective Jan. 1, 1989. Plumbing installed before this ban may contain lead.
The lead free standard effective in 1989 allowed 8% lead in pipes, fittings and fixtures and 0.2% lead in solder. On Jan. 4, 2014, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act changed the lead free standard to 0.25% lead as a weighted average on all wetted surfaces for pipes, fittings and fixtures. The standard for solder remained the same at 0.2% lead.
What are we Doing?
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is helping Missouri's water systems develop an initial lead service line inventory. An inventory is required for all Community and Non-transient Non-community water systems. The water system is required to submit an initial inventory to the department on or before Oct. 16, 2024. The department developed various documents and other media that focus on specific information, which are locate within the links below.
There are also financial assistance programs available for lead service line inventories and lead service line replacements. Links to these programs, and other information as it becomes available, are provided below.
Questions?
If you have questions concerning lead service line inventories or lead service line replacements, please contact either of the following department team members:
- Austen Dudenhoeffer: 573-751-6171 or austen.dudenhoeffer@dnr.mo.gov
- Jeff Pinson: 573-751-1406 or jeff.pinson@dnr.mo.gov