DeKalb County officials in Decatur report no lead pipes in public water systems but seek resident help to check private lines
DeKalb County Reports No Lead in Public Drinking Water Pipes
DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County officials announced on Wednesday that a federally mandated inventory of publicly owned drinking water pipes found no known lead in the system’s current database.
The assessment was conducted by the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management. It was completed by the October 2024 deadline to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and State of Georgia guidelines. While the public inventory is clear, the county is seeking help from property owners to identify materials used in private lateral pipes.
In a letter sent to some residents, the county warned that the material type for drinking water pipes on certain private properties remains unknown. Officials stated that there is a possibility that some of those pipes are made of lead.
The county’s notification emphasized the risks of lead exposure. It stated that “lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color.”
To complete the comprehensive inventory, the county is asking residents to voluntarily check the pipes entering their homes and report the material through an online survey. The survey is available on the Department of Watershed Management’s website. A “Check your line” feature also allows residents to view the status of the current inventory.
Officials said the database is being updated continuously as the material of unknown lateral pipes is verified. Residents seeking more information on the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions can visit the county’s watershed management page at dekalbcountyga.gov.
Summary of Findings
| Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead in Public Pipes | No known lead found |
| Assessment Completion | By October 2024 |
| Private Pipes | Material type unknown |
| Health Risks | Lead harms health, affects lower-income communities |
| Resident Action | Check pipes and report material |
