Identification Continues for Bryan’s Water Service Line Inventory

The City of Bryan’s Water Services continues efforts to identify city and private service lines as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986 banning the use of lead piping. Texas followed with its own ban in 1988. The EPA adopted the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 and the revision was adopted on Oct. 8, 2024. This federal mandate requires all community water systems to identify and replace lead service lines within the next 10 years.

The city’s line runs from the water main to the meter box. The private line runs from the meter box to the home or business.

Customer Outreach

The city mailed letters last November and again this year to customers whose water line material is still listed as unknown. Customers who received an unknown status and know their water line material, either from a repair or replacement, are asked to complete this survey.

During this recent mailing, some customers received empty envelopes due to them sticking together in the third-party vendor’s machinery. As a precaution, letters will be mailed again using a different type of envelope to make sure all customers receive this information.

The inventory process will continue until all water service lines have been identified. If staff finds a line that needs replacement, customers are notified immediately with next steps.

Line Identifications as of Nov. 18, 2025

Of Bryan’s 36,446 water service lines, the following have been identified:

• Unknown service line material: 15,292
• Confirmed non-lead material: 18,603
• Vacant lots: 2,775
• Galvanized requiring replacement: 36
• Identified as lead: 0

There is no indication of lead issues in Bryan’s water supply.

Water Services has tested for lead since 1994. Lead levels have remained below actionable thresholds, with a range of 1.5 to 2 parts per billion (ppb). The recent LCRR update lowered the actionable threshold for lead from 15 ppb to 10 ppb.

Lead can enter drinking water when pipes and plumbing fixtures containing lead corrode, particularly in water with high acidity (a pH of 6.5 or less). Bryan’s water has a pH of 8.3-8.5, which reduces the risk of corrosion.

If you are concerned about lead exposure, here are some steps to take:

• Use a filter certified to remove lead, and follow the filter cartridge replacement instructions. Do not run hot water through the filter.
• Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator).
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
• Flush your home’s pipes before drinking or cooking by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or washing dishes.

Resources

• Nov. 2025 Water Service Line Inventory Notification Letter
• Nov. 19, 2024 – Inventory Process Underway for Bryan’s Water Service Lines
• Water Service Line Inventory Website
• Video recording of Nov. 12, 2024, Bryan City Council Workshop Presentation: Water Service Line Inventory Update
• Drinking Water Quality Report

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns, please email PWCC@bryantx.gov or call 979-209-5900.

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