Fort Worth residents must now reckon with a new concern as Fort Worth Water discloses the presence of galvanized service lines in need of replacement due to potential lead contamination risks. As the City of Fort Worth reports, a complete inventory mandated by federal regulations has revealed that there are no lead service lines, but a significant number—32,590—are galvanized and classified as requiring replacement.
This extensive survey marks a move to address a public health issue that may have been long hidden in plain sight. Galvanized pipes, if previously used alongside lead, have the potential to absorb and then slowly release lead into the drinking water, a reality that can no longer remain overlooked. Notices have begun to go out to affected parties, and these are being sent to billing addresses as well as the location addresses when the two differ, as the utility makes an effort to directly inform those impacted.
Notably, in just 361 instances can Fort Worth Water conclusively verify that lead was once used in the utility-owned section of the service line. In cases where it cannot be confirmed that the line was never lead, the lines must also be listed as galvanized requiring replacement. The implications for public health are serious. Lead exposure can negatively impact people of all ages, but the risk is especially high for children and pregnant women.
