Water & Sewer
Water Resources Department Mission Statement
We the employees of the Water Resources Department are dedicated to providing friendly, efficient, and cost-effective water and wastewater services to the citizens of Monroe. We will continuously strive for innovation and improvement in the way we do business.
Looking for information about preventing or reporting water pollution, the City's storm drainage system, or stormwater management? Visit the City Stormwater page.
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Temporary Closure Planned for Portion of James Hamilton Road
A temporary road closure is scheduled for a short section of James Hamilton Road at the intersection of Rocky River Road as part of ongoing utility infrastructure work. Read on...
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Hear Monroe's Economic History and Future at the 16th Annual Groundhog Day Economic Summit
Update: Due to winter weather expected in our area, the City of Monroe’s 16th Annual Groundhog Day Economic Summit originally scheduled for Monday, February 2 has been postponed. The event will now take place on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 8 to 10 a.m. Read on...
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Lead and Copper Rule Service Line Inventory
The Lead and Copper Rule is a federal standard that works to protect public health by reducing the amount of lead and copper in drinking water. Under the most current revision, Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the rule requires all water systems to develop an inventory to identify the materials of service lines which connect homes to the public water distribution system. The City of Monroe is working to comply with the new requirements under the revised rule.
The City of Monroe has completed and submitted the service line materials inventory to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). The service line inventory will be submitted according to NCDEQ's schedule over the next 10 years until all lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines are replaced, and unknown service lines identified with replacements completed as required. To complete the service line inventory, the City of Monroe used construction records and field inspections during water line repairs and replacements to determine the material of service lines.
- What are the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) Requirements?
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The City of Monroe Water Resources Department is required to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule. Such revisions require utilities to maintain an inventory of water service lines within their service area, create a lead sampling plan for all schools in the utility’s service area, and provide public education regarding the presence and hazards associated with lead in drinking water.
- What are the current regulations on lead regarding drinking water?
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the danger lead poses in drinking water. In 1991, the USEPA issued the Lead & Copper Rule mandating that water systems adjust their water chemistry to control corrosion, which would limit lead leaching into the water.
As of December 2021, revisions and additional requirements were included in the Lead and Copper Rule that utilities were required to comply with by October 16, 2024. See additional information on the Lead and Copper Rule and the most recent revisions.
- What is a water service line and who maintains it?
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A water service line is a pipe that connects the City’s water main to a property, providing drinking water to the internal plumbing. The section of water service line from the water main to the meter is maintained by the City of Monroe. The section of pipe from the meter to the residence is maintained by the property owner.
- What is a pipe-connection part of a water service line?
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Public and private service lines are often connected by a short section of piping, less than two (2) feet in length, which is formed to connect two rigid sections of piping. This section of piping is known as a connector, gooseneck, or pigtail. These sections are not considered part of a water service line.
- Does the City of Monroe have lead service lines?
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The City of Monroe has not identified any lead water service lines at this time. The City of Monroe Water Resources Department has primarily used Copper for service lines for many decades.
- How is the City of Monroe identifying lead water service lines and prioritizing their replacement?
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The City of Monroe hired Garver Engineering to assist with our lead service line inventory. Staff utilized predictive modeling, records, water system data and GIS mapping to assist with the process. It was determined there are over 6,000 service lines that must be checked by City of Monroe staff. Water service line replacements are prioritized according to the building age. The City of Monroe is not responsible for replacing the private service line.
Staff will inspect the service line material on the public and private side of the meter box. Staff will use a shovel or vacuum excavation equipment to expose the service lines. All soil and materials will be placed back in the excavated area.
- How will I be notified if my water service line is selected for field inspection or replacement?
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Affected customers will be contacted directly by letters and/or a personal visit from staff, visiting your address to inspect the water service line at or near the water meter box.
- What if I live in an apartment building? Will I be notified if a lead water service line is identified?
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The City of Monroe Water Resources will communicate with your property owner if lead service lines were identified or require replacement. Contact your Property Manager if you have any questions about possible lead exposure from the plumbing within your apartment.
- Who is responsible if internal plumbing or fixtures need to be replaced?
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Property owners are responsible for replacing their internal plumbing fixtures.
- What is the City of Monroe doing to increase public education and awareness?
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Educational materials will be mailed to all customers participating in field inspections or that have service lines requiring replacement. Additional information on the Lead and Copper Rule can be found on our website and by visiting the following webpages:
Lead Service Line Information
LSLR Collaborative: Lead in Water and Full Lead Service Line Replacement Fact Sheet
Health Information on Lead in Drinking Water
EPA: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
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Water and Sewer Approved Construction Materials List
The Standard Specification and Detail Manual for approved Water and Sewer materials has been updated and is available by request. To obtain a copy or for additional information, please contact Stephen Buchanan at 704-282-4615 or Water Resources at 704-282-4601.
