Frequently Asked Questions

As a preface, please note that the content of the letters mailed was determined by OEPA. Additionally, the letters were required to be sent to any location that may have at one time had lead and/or galvanized pipe as part of the service line – AND NOT because they currently use one of these materials (ie – the service line could currently be all copper, but the letter was still required.)

**1. Health and Safety**

* Has lead been detected in water samples at or near my address? The city has performed required monitoring since 1992, initially on a biannual basis. Because the results were low, the required testing frequency was later reduced to a triennial basis. Lead has been detected in samples, but not above the action level of 15 ug/L (micrograms per liter). For site specific information inquiries should be emailed to ssd@allianceoh.gov.

* If lead or galvanized pipe is confirmed, what immediate mitigation measures (filters, bottled water, testing) will be provided to residents? Mitigation measures are not required for a pipe determination of lead or galvanized.

* What lead action levels trigger mandatory remediation under federal or Ohio law? 15 ug/L (micrograms per liter)

**2. Records and Accuracy**

* What records or data does the City currently rely upon to determine whether a service line may contain lead or galvanized pipe? Tapping information was utilized initially, which was then followed by excavation and visual inspection (for the portion from the main to curb stop) As a note, lead pipe was only used in Alliance for the portion of service extending from the main to the curb stop. When lead was used in Alliance, the portion of the service from the curb stop to the meter utilized galvanized iron pipe.

* Does the City distinguish between the public-side and private-side portions of service lines in its determinations? The city owns and maintains the water main, the property owner owns and maintains the service line beginning with the corporation valve up to the water meter.

* Have service line materials ever been replaced or altered without corresponding updates to City records? Yes.

**3. Inspection Authority and Property Rights**

* Is homeowner participation in self-inspection voluntary at this time? Yes.

* What legal authority permits the City to require a “mandatory inspection” of a private residence in the future? The city’s water rules, and more intimately, the agreement for water service between the city and the property owner.

* Will inspections require entry into private homes, and what notice, consent, or warrant process applies? Requirements to allow entry for inspections are a condition for water service. A refusal to allow entry does not result in forced entry, but rather is grounds to stop water service.

* Are homeowners waiving any legal rights by submitting self-inspection documentation? There is no waiver in the self-inspection document.

**4. Costs and Financial Responsibility**

* Who is financially responsible for replacement if lead or galvanized pipe is identified on private property? The property owner.

* Are assistance programs, grants, or income-based relief available? The city obtained two grants which provided for 100% of the replacement cost for lead pipe. Those grants were fully utilized, totaled $2,000,000 and provided for roughly 1,000 lead line replacements. There currently no grants the city is aware of to provide the 100% coverage, but it does anticipate obtaining grants to provide 50% of the cost for replacement of lead pipe in the future. There are no known grants to replace iron pipe, however there is a warranty product available which the city recommends that will cover the cost for replacement of a service line leak. This is highly recommended as there are no iron pipe service-lines in the city which have not exceeded the expected life span. Details on the warranty can be found on the city’s website at https://www.cityofalliance.com/424/Service-Line-Warranties-of-America. 

* Will residents face penalties, citations, or adverse consequences if they are unable to pay for replacement? No penalties or citations, however lead service lines may not be used after 2037 (EPA rule), meaning water service would be stopped if the service line is still lead pipe.

**5. Data Use and Privacy**

* How will inspection results and homeowner-submitted data be stored and protected? The inspections results are provided to the EPA and OEPA, are public records, and subject to information requests.

**6. Transparency and Public Communication**

* Why was this notice disseminated primarily via social media rather than direct written notice to affected property owners? It was not put onto social media until notices had been mailed, but it is likely not all notices had been delivered prior to the posting on internet and social media sites.

* Is there a publicly available map or report showing confirmed, suspected, and unknown service line materials? There is no map. The city has reported confirmed lead lines and copper lines. There are still some services lines that have not been confirmed as being lead or copper, and until a confirmation is made they are being reported and treated as being lead. The Service Line Inventory and Materials Report is available at https://www.cityofalliance.com/124/Water-Sewer-Distribution. 

* What is the City’s full timeline and plan for compliance with state and federal requirements? The city has no plans to require owners make replacements prior the current EPA 2037 deadline.