Dear Neighbors,

 

If you are among the 109,000 Metro Water Services (MWS) customers who recently received a letter regarding the condition of water service lines, please be assured that these customer notifications do not indicate an imminent health threat. 

 

As part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), MWS has been proactively identifying and addressing lead service lines across the city. I want to highlight a few key points to help clarify the situation:

 

Our water is safe. Thanks to corrosion control measures implemented since 1987, our drinking water has consistently been well below the EPA’s lead action level, with the most recent sample showing only 1 part per billion (ppb) of lead—far below the 10 ppb threshold set by the new rule. The water that leaves MWS treatment plants is safe. However, lead can leach into water from pipes containing lead.

 

What is a water service line? A water service line is a pipe that connects your home to the public water main. MWS owns the service line from the water main to the meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the meter to the residence or building.

 

Why the notification?  Under the LCRI, MWS recently completed an inventory of water service lines. Customers were notified if their service line contains lead, galvanized pipe that requires replacement (GRR), or if the material is unknown. 

 

This notice does not indicate an imminent health threat. The drinking water coming from MWS treatment plants does not contain lead. However, lead can leach into water from older pipes. 

 

If you received a notice from MWS, review the letter carefully for information regarding your risk and ways to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

 

MWS currently replaces their portion of lead service lines when found during construction or repair activities and will be preparing a more robust replacement plan that meets the 2037 compliance date. MWS has created a searchable map showing known lead and GRR service lines. 

 

For more information, including access to the interactive map, lead testing results, and tips to reduce exposure, please visit this MWS webpage. 

 

Your health and safety are our top priorities, and MWS is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring the highest standards of water quality.

 

In service,  

 

Brenda Gadd  

Councilmember, District 24

 

P.S. - I hope to see you this Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Otter Creek Church for our latest District 24 Community Meeting. We’ll discuss updates on local rezoning, housing developments, and new business permits, including input on the 51st and Wyoming rezoning, Sylvan Park restaurant updates, and possible changes to The Reeve on Charlotte Avenue.

Stormwater system improvements are slated to begin construction this week and should be completed by Feb. 3. The road will not need to be fully closed; however, it will be reduced to one lane during daytime hours only. Lane closures may begin as early as Nov. 25 and are expected to last approximately 15 days.

 

We have had some recent reports of debris in the bike lanes. These are swept weekly. 

If you see any debris, please report it in HubNashville. 

 

Construction will begins Nov. 18 on improvements to the existing bikeway and pedestrian crossing, including concrete separation, in conjunction with utility, sidewalk, and paving projects. Completion is expected in April. 

 

Our Metro Business Assistance Office (BAO) has released its annual report on the Equal Business Opportunity Program, showcasing significant strides in supporting minority- and women-owned businesses. Key highlights include:  

The full report is available online, along with previous years’ reports. 

 

Join Middle Tennessee Transgender Alliance (MTTA), Trans Aid Nashville (TAN), council member Olivia Hill, and others to honor lives lost due to anti-transgender acts of violence. Learn more. 

 

Join the YWCA for its next Stand Against Injustice webinar honoring the history of Native peoples in Tennessee and acknowledging the challenges they face today. Register. 

 

Join the Metro Human Relations Commission (MHRC) for this special evening at the Nashville Farmers Market to celebrate the launch of the “Humans Over Hate” initiative, uniting our community over food and dialogue to confront hate and foster understanding. Register.

 

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, two events are scheduled at the Darkhorse Theater: Indigenous Voices Powwow at 2 p.m., and Wisdom of Elders at 7:30 p.m. Ticket info. 

 

Our Sylvan Park neighbors are again organizing a tree lighting. Join us at the roundabout at 5pm. Learn more. 

 

Join us at Public Square Park. Bring new, unwrapped toys, bikes and other age-appropriate gifts in the $10-$25 range for Last Minute Toy Store's Toy Drive. Learn more. 

 

Join the Mayor and special guests at Public Square Park to mark the sixth night of Chanukah (Hanukkah). Learn more. 

 Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Agendas are posted by the preceding Monday on the Legislative Information Center. Watch live at stream.nashville.gov or on the Metro Nashville Network channel.