Chattanooga, Tenn. – September 18, 2026 -- Tennessee American Water will begin service line material verification work in parts of its Citico Service District the week of September 28, targeting lines currently listed as unknown in company records across Chattanooga, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank and Rossville, GA.
EPA rule requires full lead line replacement by 2037
The verification project supports updated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules on lead and copper. Both the U.S. EPA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation require all water utilities to confirm service line materials, including visual inspection, to build a baseline inventory ahead of the federal mandate to replace all lead service lines by 2037.
CDM Smith crews will dig test holes near meter pits
The work will be conducted by engineering partner CDM Smith and its contractor. Crews will dig small test holes near meter pits to verify line materials, restore any disturbed areas, and leave a door hanger with findings once each inspection is complete. Customers do not need to be home during the process, and water service will not be disrupted.
Utility says current water supply meets all lead standards
Tennessee American Water stated that the water it currently provides meets all drinking water quality standards, including those for lead, and that it monitors treatment processes and adds a corrosion inhibitor where needed to reduce potential lead leaching from service lines and household plumbing.
Customers whose lines require verification will receive advance notice through multiple communication channels, and work progress can be tracked via the utility's Alerts Page.