Lead and Copper Pipe Testing (Fernway Residents Only)

This information is specific for Fernway residents, who received a postcard in the mail. Please click on the link below to schedule a service crew inspection of your service lines.  If you are in need of additional information on this initiative, please see the resource information below. 

Click here to schedule a service crew inspection time and receive a one-time $10 credit on your utility bill.

What does this mean for Cranberry Township?

Cranberry Township is actively working toward full compliance with the new changes to the Lead and Copper Rule. A comprehensive service line inventory is being developed and maintained.

Water service lines connected to the Township’s system have been required to be constructed of nonlead material since 1960, when an ordinance was established. Any service line installed after this time is considered nonlead.

Prior to the ordinance, the water system was only supplying water to homes Fernway development. While the Township does not believe there is lead used in this area, houses that predate the ordinance must be inspected by the Sewer and Water service crew to confirm.

Per guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, inspections must be performed at three points on the service line:

• One visually inspection where the service line enters the home
• Two points will be excavated on each side of the curb box

Any disturbances of the ground near the curb box will be restored by the Township.

While the option for homeowners to participate in this verification process is currently voluntary, the Township must gather this information, and mandatory participation may at some point be required.

What are the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)?

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) are an update to the existing LCR aimed at further mitigating lead exposure. The LCRR is scheduled to take effect in October 2024, at which point all Public Water Systems must have a comprehensive Service Line Inventory that categorizes each service line as lead, non-lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), or unknown.

Additional requirements include notifications to residents with lead, GRR, or unknown service lines.

In addition to the LCRR, the EPA has drafted Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which is expected to take effect in 2027. This rule imposes additional requirements on Public Water Systems regarding the monitoring, notification, and replacement initiatives of Lead Service Lines (LSL).

Under the LCRI, water systems must have a complete inventory with no “unknown” service lines. There is also a requirement to have a 10-year replacement plan to replace 100% of identified LSLs or GRRs.

Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)

In addition to the LCRR, the EPA has also drafted Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which is expected to take effect in 2027. This rule imposes additional requirements on Public Water Systems regarding the monitoring, notification, and replacement initiatives of Lead Service Lines (LSL). Under the LCRI, water systems must have a complete inventory with no “Unknown” service lines. There is also a requirement to have a 10-year replacement plan to replace 100% of identified LSLs or GRRs. The lead ALE has been reduced from15 µg/L to 10 µg/L under LCRI. A water system with multiple ALEs would be required to implement a consumer outreach program.

Further information about the LCRR can be found at:

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/BureauSafeDrinkingWater/DrinkingWaterMgmt/Regulations/Pages/Lead-and-Copper-Rule.aspx

Have Questions?

Contact the Cranberry Township Utilities Department at 724-776-4806 ext. 1600.

Utility Bill Credit

Fernway residents (only) can receive a one-time $10 credit on their utility bill if they schedule and complete an inspection of their service lines. 

Want to learn more?

Further information about the LCRR can be found here.