Over a year ago, the city of Abilene began collecting surveys from property owners to assess the materials of water service lines in anticipation of new requirements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recently, the city submitted 1,873 surveys to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), falling short of their target of 3,099. Public Works Director Brad Anderson expressed uncertainty about the sufficiency of the surveys for securing funding, as the timeline for KDHE’s review remains unclear.

The EPA’s initiative, announced in December 2021, aims to eliminate lead from water lines, though specific implementation details and funding amounts are still pending. Anderson noted the importance of understanding how different communities respond to these requirements.

Property owners are still encouraged to submit surveys, with 1,226 remaining outstanding. Surveys can be completed in physical form at City Hall or online via the city’s community engagement dashboard. The health risks associated with lead and copper exposure are significant, especially for young children, who may suffer developmental issues. While copper itself poses fewer risks, some copper pipes may contain lead solder, which can contaminate water supplies.