Water Service Line Material Identification

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lead & Copper Rule Revision Program

 

What is a water service line?

A service line is the water pipe that connects your home to the public water main. The service line conveys water from the main to the faucets, toilets, and other fixtures within you house and can typically be seen where it enters your home in the basement or utility area.

 

What are the Lead & Copper Rule Revisions?

The Lead & Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) were released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021 and require all utilities to complete a service line material inventory and develop a lead pipe replacement plan by October 2024.

 

Do the revisions to the Lead & Copper Rule mean I have lead pipes?

No. One of the main goals of the revisions to the Lead & Copper Rule is to identify the material of all water service lines for customer awareness. Identifying out-of-date materials, such as lead, is the first step toward removing them from the distribution system. This is a requirement of all water utilities across the country.

 

How do I determine what material my water service line is made of?

Instructions for identifying your service line material can be found here.

 

Why is it necessary for me to self-report the material of my service line?

The portion of the water service line between your water meter and your home was not installed by Easton Utilities, so there is limited information about the service line material. By reporting the material of your service line, you are helping us identify any possible lead pipes in all parts of the water distribution system.

 

Are all residential, commercial, and industrial property owners being asked to complete the self-reporting survey?

No. Only customers at locations where the service line material is still unknown are being asked to complete the survey.

 

How do I know if my property has a service line made of unknown material?

You would have received a letter from Easton Utilities notifying you that your service line is made of unknown material and to request your participation in the Water Service Line Inventory Survey.

 

What do I do if I find a lead pipe?

There’s no reason to panic. Easton Utilities manages the chemistry of our drinking water to prevent corrosion of pipes. Use the survey here to notify Easton Utilities of your suspicion. Easton Utilities will keep you informed of developments in EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule over time and how it may affect your home. Information on additional layers of protection against lead in drinking water can be found here: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water | US EPA.

 

Is Easton Utilities launching the survey to address lead issues in the Easton water distribution system?

The primary goal of the survey is to proactively locate drinking water service lines constructed of lead that may be in the Easton water distribution system and develop the service line material inventory. Lead levels in Easton drinking water are historically low and not a public health concern. For more information, refer to the Easton Utilities Annual Water Quality Report.

 

How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode. The rate of corrosion is based on the water chemistry. Decades of water sampling results have shown that Easton’s water chemistry does not corrode lead pipes. Easton Utilities manages the water chemistry to minimize corrosion.

 

Do all lead service lines contaminate drinking water with lead?

All lead service lines have the potential to leach lead into drinking water, but Easton Utilities carefully manages the water chemistry to prevent this from happening. Decades of sampling data and lab results prove that Easton’s water chemistry does not corrode lead pipe.

 

What will Easton Utilities do with the survey results?

The survey results will be used to update our service line material inventory, which will be provided to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and posted online per the EPA’s requirements.

 

Will my survey answers remain secure and not be shared?

Yes. All responses are secure and will only be used to update our service line material inventory. Personal details are not included in the inventory, but as required by EPA, the location and material of your service line will be.

 

Will the service line inventory work increase my water bill?

No. The service line inventory program will not increase water rates.

 

How can my community and I support this program?

Please complete the self-reporting survey if requested. In addition, we appreciate your support in getting others to complete the survey. This could include speaking to neighbors and relatives, sharing program information with HOAs and community groups, and offering assistance to those who may need help finding their service line or completing the survey.