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Utility Services

Lead and Copper | Clemson University
Lead & Copper
  • Lead and copper in drinking water occur due to the corrosion of pipes, fixtures, and plumbing that contain these metals.
  • Clemson University’s water system is in compliance with lead and copper regulatory requirements, with no lead or copper detections that exceed established action levels.
  • We provide information about the university’s drinking water quality—including the presence of lead and copper in our sampling—annually through an Annual Water Quality Report . Previous annual reports can be obtained by contacting Clemson University Utility Services.
  • Drinking water is supplied to Clemson University from Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS), which actively manages pH and adds a corrosion inhibitor before water is pumped to campus.
  • We are developing a complete inventory of the university’s water service lines detailing their size, location, and material. Service lines carry water from main lines into each building. When the inventory is complete, we will make this information available.
  • Clemson University has been proactive and has already replaced the majority of all known lead service lines (LSLs) within the campus water distribution system before it was required.

Why is Clemson University Utility Services doing these things?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first established the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to reduce human exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Before the rule was implemented, a federal ban on the use of lead components in public drinking water systems was enacted in 1986. EPA has revised this rule multiple times since 1991 and most recently enacted the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which became effective in December 2021.

Both lead and copper can be harmful to human health if ingested at elevated levels. Of the two metals commonly used in drinking water pipes and fixtures, lead is the most serious, as it can be harmful at lower levels and can accumulate in the body over time. Because of this bioaccumulation potential, infants, young children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. While risks vary based on individual circumstances and water consumption, no concentration of lead is considered “safe,” and these regulations aim to reduce and eliminate exposure.

To facilitate this reduction, the LCRR requires, in part, that water systems complete a Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventory and provide a Revised Lead and Copper Sample Site Plan if any LSLs are identified and not already accounted for in current sampling sites. If any lead pipes are identified, an LSL Replacement Plan will be created to prioritize a schedule for removal and replacement of any remaining LSLs on campus. The deadline for completing the LSL Inventory and submitting associated information to SCDHEC was October 16, 2024.

Clemson University Utility Services has implemented a plan that has replaced most known LSLs on campus, and completion of the inventory ensures that all LSLs are discovered, documented, and scheduled for replacement. For lines discovered but not yet replaced, a lining has been installed on the interior to prevent corrosion and potential leaching of lead into the drinking water.

Clemson University Lead & Copper Sampling

Clemson University is committed to supplying clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. In conjunction with SCDHEC, we routinely monitor drinking water for a variety of chemical and microbial contaminants. The university purchases water from Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS), which treats water withdrawn from Lake Hartwell. ARJWS performs additional water quality testing at its treatment facility before water is pumped into the university’s system. A copy of their latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available for download. As part of treatment, ARJWS adjusts pH and adds orthophosphate to prevent corrosion of metal pipes and fittings, which could otherwise result in lead and copper leaching into drinking water. ARJWS also continuously monitors corrosion potential at the plant to verify corrosion control.

We have sampled campus drinking water for lead and copper since 1993, when it was initially required by SCDHEC and EPA. Initial sampling was conducted annually; however, because no sampling sites exceeded action levels, we have monitored every three years since 2005. The most recent testing was completed in 2023, and Clemson University’s water system again had no sample sites that exceeded action levels. The next round of sampling will take place in 2026.

Additional Steps to Minimize Risk of Lead Exposure from Drinking Water

Lead in drinking water primarily comes from the corrosion of materials and components associated with service lines and premise plumbing—not from the source water itself. The university continues to remove lead lines and fittings and to monitor overall drinking water quality through routine sampling. If you are concerned about potential lead exposure from drinking water, consider the following steps:

  • After water has not been used for several hours or overnight, run it for 30 seconds to 2 minutes to flush lines before using it for drinking or cooking.
  • Use cold water for cooking and drinking; metals like lead and copper are less likely to corrode in cold water.
  • If you have concerns about drinking water on campus, please contact University Utility Services using the contact information provided on this site.
  • Additional information on minimizing risks is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

For more information regarding the revised Lead and Copper Rule, see the EPA Fact Sheet .

The following resources can provide additional information on lead exposure and drinking water: