Thomasville says it mailed EPA-mandated lead-and-copper notices to more than 6,000 customers; hotline and FAQ provided

City Manager Michael Brandt told the council the city has mailed EPA-mandated notices to more than 6,000 customers after federal revisions to the lead-and-copper rule required notification when service-line materials are unknown.

Brandt said staff have been working to confirm private and public service-line materials and that they have confirmed materials for just over 50% of customers through various means. Letters were mailed to the remaining customers last week; the city has set up a dedicated hotline ((336) 780-7450) and a web page with information and FAQs about the rule, how to check service-line materials, and how residents can obtain water testing. Brandt said the hotline is an answering machine and the city will respond to messages within 72 hours.

The city emphasized it has not found lead in its distribution system and that it complies with statutory water-quality requirements. Brandt said the city hopes to complete testing by the end of 2026 but noted the work is mandated to be done over the next three years and that completion by the end of 2026 is a target rather than a guarantee.

Brandt noted similar outreach by other systems — for example, the city of Greensboro sent 65,000 notices — and said local staff, including Public Utilities Director Morgan Huffman and his team, have been working to identify service-line materials and help customers respond.

What happens next: customers who receive the letter can use the hotline and website FAQ to report known service-line materials or request testing; the city will compile responses and report confirmed materials to the state/federal program as appropriate.