The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities has begun mailing more than 73,000 notices to residents in an effort to identify and replace lead water service lines as part of its expanded Lead Free Water program.

The letters, one of the largest mailings in the department’s history, are required under federal regulations and support the city’s goal of eliminating all lead service lines by 2037. 

The outreach includes a new interactive Service Line Inventory Map, enhanced with a predictive model approved by the Virginia Department of Health. The model analyzes factors such as home age, construction records and neighborhood plumbing trends to identify lines that may contain lead, including those classified as “unknown-likely lead.” Residents are encouraged to verify the material of their service lines to assist the city’s replacement efforts. 

“Protecting public health is our top priority, and this outreach reflects both our responsibility and our commitment to keeping our customers informed,” said Scott Morris, director of the DPU. “Reaching a lead-free Richmond requires strong data, modern tools and active partnership with our residents. These letters are a critical step in informing customers of the steps their utility has been taking to reduce the occurrences of lead in their water and how they can help in that shared effort.” 

Richmond’s drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state safety standards through treatment that minimizes lead leaching from pipes. Lead exposure comes from aging service lines and internal plumbing, which are sometimes partially owned by property owners, making resident cooperation essential. 

The department conducts ongoing water quality monitoring, publishes results monthly to state regulators, and includes comprehensive data annually in the city’s Consumer Confidence Report. The city plans to continue service line verification, replacement and resident outreach through the Lead Free Water program.