City workers in Denton have hit the streets, starting their sweep to inspect water service lines to homes and businesses. These inspections, launched on May 6, are part of a larger effort directed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rid drinking water of lead contaminants.

According to the City of Denton, Texas, Denton Water Utilities is eyeing the old service lines that are potential culprits for lead leakage. The city boasts a squeaky clean record, with water straight out of treatment plants being lead-free.

The EPA's updated Lead & Copper Rule is behind this citywide scavenger hunt for lead. Denton is tasked with crafting an inventory that'll map the pipes that could be tainting the water supply. This inventory will eventually feed into a comprehensive replacement scheme set to take off after the October 2024 submission deadline.

Residents with service lines dating back to 1989 – the cutoff year for lead usage in Texas construction – will be notified by the city if their pipes make the lead list. Meanwhile, customers can keep tabs on the inventory, which the city pledges to keep customer-friendly and transparent.