Old Records Could Indicate Lead Service Line Locations

Oldest record is from 1874

MLGW discovered a 16-year-old database of early water service line records in its archives this week. The records indicate the possible location and composition of some water service lines.

Out of approximately 288,000 water service line records included in the database, there were 38,275 records of service lines possibly made of lead, that were installed between 1874 and 1940. As a reference, MLGW was established in 1939.

According to the database, 3,029 of the 38,275 records were for lines installed before 1900. The 38,275 records have addresses that are mostly within or in the vicinity of the Parkways, which are some of the oldest areas in Memphis.

Reports of lead contamination issues in Flint, Michigan have raised concerns about water quality. In sharp contrast to Flint, MLGW has an excellent drinking water corrosion control process. As a result, MLGW’s outstanding artesian well water has consistently met EPA drinking water standards.

The water service line database will aid MLGW’s continued commitment to water quality; however, the database, given the age of its records, appears to contain numerous inaccuracies and omits some addresses where it is possible that lead service lines exist. There could be homes that once had lead service lines but those lines have been replaced, or are vacant lots where homes once stood, or instances where the material noted for the service line was incorrectly stated on the original record in the archive.

The obvious errors will be corrected between now and next week, allowing MLGW to post a database of possible lead service line records on mlgw.com next week. A map of the addresses listed on those records will also accompany the database. Customers will be able to see if a record exists for their address.

Other errors will be corrected, over time, as MLGW begins field inspections to verify the recorded material used for its service lines. The inspections will start later this year and be completed by 2020. The data correction process will cause the stated number of homes that have lead service lines to fluctuate on a daily basis.

Lead paint is the overwhelming cause of lead exposure in Memphis and across the country. MLGW officials are aware of no evidence linking lead poisoning with MLGW’s drinking water. Memphis is fortunate to have the best quality drinking water in the country. MLGW provides free water sample testing. Customers can either call 544-6549 to request a water test or send an email to waterlab@mlgw.org and include their name and telephone number.

Our annual Water Quality Reports are online at http://www.mlgw.com/about/waterqualityreport. More information about lead is available at https://www.epa.gov/lead.

Lead Service Line Locations Q & A

How did MLGW become aware of the 16-year-old database?

In our continued discussions about locating and identifying lead service lines, a staffer noted the existence of the database, which was created to digitize archival records of water service line installations. Information from the archived records was entered into a database in 2001, but never verified.

How much of a problem is lead for Memphis’s water supply?

MLGW officials are aware of no evidence linking lead poisoning to MLGW’s drinking water. MLGW is committed to protecting the quality of our water service and uses an excellent corrosion control system to protect MLGW pipes. Lead paint remains the primary source of exposure in Memphis and across the nation.

How can customers check the database without the use of a computer?

Customers can call 544-6549 to see if their home address is in the database. Our Water Engineering Department will check the database and call the customer with the information.

MLGW has made it clear that the database information could be wrong. How reliable is it?

We’re not sure. The database was created about 16 years ago digitizing unverified information from archival records of MLGW’s predecessors from 1874 to 1940 that contain information related to installation. Given the age of the records, there could be homes that once had lead service lines but those lines were subsequently replaced, or are vacant lots where homes once stood, or instances where the material noted for the service line was incorrectly stated on the original record in the archive. In addition, some information may have been missing in the original records used to create the database. Errors will be a part of the database, even as we work to correct them. At the same time, the database provides a starting point for us to verify and identify where the water service lines may be lead.

Does the database mean that MLGW knows where all of the lead service lines are located?

No. It partially confirms what we have known, which is that some service lines made of lead will likely be found within and in the vicinity of the Parkways, where some of our oldest sections of the city are located. To that end, it provides a starting point to locate and verify these lines.