After learning about the daunting Lead and Copper Rule Revisions in late 2020, the City of Smyrna, GA, knew they needed to begin mapping out their service line inventory as soon as possible. 120Water was contracted to support the City’s inventory development efforts, and after an initial records review, the City was left with about 5,000 unknown service lines, or about one-third of their system.

Thus, the City of Smyrna and 120Water began verifying these unknown service lines using water sampling, specifically a 1st/5th-liter draw. Sequential sampling allows Smyrna to understand if there is a lead line present on the public or private-owned portions of the line, or both, and is a significantly less invasive method compared to potholing or excavation.

Building a service line inventory is a journey and 120Water has supported Smyrna by:

• Sending 450 informational postcards to residents prior to sampling
• Mailing 400 5-liter testing kits to homes, along with detailed instructions for taking the sample correctly
• Working with schools and licensed daycares in their service area to prepare for future facility sampling requirements
• Providing 1,200% savings by verifying service line materials rather than assuming replacement for 5,000 lines

A year and a half into their service line project, Smyrna still has a road ahead of them to complete verification, but employing an experienced partner like 120Water will allow them to exceed compliance expectations, save time and financial resources, and have a fully verified inventory prior to the federal deadline.