Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Customer Notification Guidance for Water Systems with Lead, GRR, or Unknown Service Lines

1. What is this guidance about?
This guidance outlines how water systems must notify customers served by service lines classified as Lead, Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR), or Lead Status Unknown (Unknown) based on the Initial Service Line Inventory.

2. When must notifications be provided?
• By November 15, 2024: Water systems must notify customers served by Lead, GRR, or Unknown service lines.
• If the material of an “Unknown” service line is identified or a Lead/GRR service line is replaced before this date, notification is not required for that address (but GA EPD must be notified).
• If the inventory is submitted after October 16, 2024, the water system has 30 days from submission to send notices.

3. How often must notifications be sent?
Notifications must be sent annually until the service connection is no longer classified as Lead, GRR, or Unknown. New customers must receive notification at the time of service initiation.

4. What must be reported annually?
By July 1 each year, water systems must demonstrate that notifications were delivered for the previous calendar year. They must submit:
• Example copies of notification types (Lead, GRR, Unknown)
• A list of notified service line addresses (with classifications)
• A completed SLI Material Classification Notice Certification Form

Submissions may be made via:
• PWS Portal
• Email: epd.LCN@dnr.ga.gov
• Mail: GA EPD (address on form)

5. What must the notifications include?
All notifications must include required health effects language about lead (which cannot be edited). Content varies by classification:

Unknown Service Line Notifications Must Include:
• Statement that material is Unknown but may be Lead
• Health effects of lead
• Steps to reduce lead exposure
• Information about verifying service line material

GRR Notifications Must Include:
• Statement that material is Galvanized Requiring Replacement
• Health effects of lead
• Steps to reduce lead exposure
• Information about replacement opportunities

Lead Notifications Must Include:
• Statement that material is Lead
• Health effects of lead
• Steps to reduce lead exposure
• Information about replacement opportunities and financial assistance programs
• Statement that the water system must replace its portion of a lead service line when the property owner replaces theirs

6. Where can templates be found?
GA EPD has developed notification templates under the Lead and Copper section of its website:
https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/drinking-water

7. How should notices be delivered?
Notices must be provided to all persons served by the affected service connection. Acceptable delivery methods include:
• Separate mailing or with water bill
• Hand delivery
• Email (only if the system ensures all intended recipients receive it)

If an email is undeliverable, a mailed or hand-delivered notice is required. In shared buildings, notices should also be posted in common areas or otherwise distributed to ensure all customers are informed.

8. What are the required health effects statements?
This language cannot be edited and must appear as written:

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

9. What if a service line contains multiple materials?
If a service line includes a combination (e.g., Lead and GRR), the notification should describe all materials present in the line.