FAQs
Is the Town's water safe?
YES! Blacksburg’s water comes from the NRV Regional Water Authority. It is tested extensively at the water treatment plant and at many locations across Town to ensure that the distribution system is not a source of lead in water.
What is a water service line?
A service line connects your home to the Town water system.
The portion of the service line from the water main (often located in the street) to the water meter (often located at the property or easement line) is owned and maintained by the Town.
The portion from the water meter to the house is owned and maintained by the homeowner/customer.
You might be able to see your service line entering your home near the water shut-off valve, usually found in your basement, crawl space, or garage.
What is a lead service line inventory?
The lead service line inventory is an EPA mandated accounting of water service line material for pipes 2-inches or less in diameter. A determination of whether lead service lines are present in the Town must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) by October 16, 2024.
How is the lead service line inventory work being funded?
The lead service line inventory is being funded by VDH and allows the Town to perform this work without an impact on utility bills.
What is known about Blacksburg’s system?
The Town has 10,119 service lines.
We have currently identified 6,668 (66%) service lines on the Town-owned side as non-lead.
We have currently identified 6,581 (65%) service lines on the customer-owned side as non-lead.
What information has the Town used to identify its service lines?
The Town has used many different types of records, including, but not limited to, construction site plans, building records, water meter readings, and tax records, to assist with the inventory to minimize the need for excavating the Town-owned services for material confirmation.
The Town will utilize vacuum excavation to expose and identify some Town-owned unknown service laterals. This exposes only a small section of the lateral, typically a 12-inch diameter hole, which is then refilled once the identification is complete. You may see our trucks around town performing this work in the coming weeks and months.
Town staff will request entry into some buildings to determine the material of some customer-owned unknown service lines at the connection point into the structure.
When were lead pipes used in water systems?
Lead pipes were allowed until 1978 on the Customer side and 1988 on the Town side.
That does not mean that lead pipes were definitely used in the Town until those dates, only that it was allowed by building codes. The Town has no records of lead service line installations.
What are the health risks of lead exposure?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources.
It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys.
The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.
For more information, visit VDH website.
How can I determine my service line material?
The Town can send you a flier with information on how to self-identify your service lateral material. This involves viewing where the lateral enters your building-typically in your basement, crawl space, or garage.
A plumber can also help you identify the material.
Can my water be tested for lead?
Yes! There are businesses in the New River Valley that perform water quality testing.
What if my service line is lead?
If your service line is found to be lead, it will be recorded in the inventory.
After the inventory is submitted in October 2024, the Town will develop a plan to address identified lead service laterals.
You can also contact a licensed plumber at any time to perform the work for you.