In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced updated regulations to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), aimed at safeguarding public health and reducing lead exposure in drinking water. Following these updates, the City of Wahoo’s Department of Utilities partnered with JEO to launch a comprehensive public information and education campaign to support the development of their Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) Inventory.
The campaign encouraged community participation through self-identification of water service line material types, relieving Wahoo Utilities from time-consuming inspections. Utilizing a GIS-based survey, residents provided data which was translated into a comprehensive map inventory of all service lines in the community. Through strategic public outreach efforts, including a project website, informative materials, instructional videos, social media posts, and community engagement, residents were empowered to actively contribute to the inventory. This collaborative approach not only ensured an up-to-date service line inventory but also fostered public awareness, education, and engagement in protecting the health of the community.
JEO's public outreach was excellent, their fulfillment and tracking with GIS was excellent, and their ongoing communication with Wahoo Utilities team members was on point and timely. Overall, the entire experience working with them was excellent. I firmly believe that we would not have achieved the results that we did without utilizing their expertise. In the future, I would not even attempt such an undertaking without having first consulted this team.
Aaron Gustin, Wahoo Utilities Water/Wastewater Supervisor
