WATER SERVICE LINE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

We need your help! Please help us verify and report the material of your service line.

Easton Utilities is committed to providing you with safe and reliable drinking water. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the highest quality of water service, we are conducting an inventory of the materials of the water service lines throughout the water system, as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Lead and Copper Rule.

The water service line inventory effort is part of a nationwide initiative and is crucial in protecting public health by reducing lead and copper levels in drinking water, which can pose serious health risks, especially to young children and pregnant women. Although historically, the Easton Utilities water system does not include lead services, identifying all materials of each water service is required by law under EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule.

Step 1 – Locate your service line where it enters your home

A service line is an underground pipe that connects your home to the watermain. Typically, it can be found in the basement or utility area.

Step 2 – Collect the following items for identification:

Step 3 – Using the key, coin, or other tool, lightly scratch your water service line as close to the wall as possible, where it enters the home. Note the color of the pipe when scratched.

Step 4 – Place a magnet on the pipe. If it does not stick, note this.

Step 5 – Tap the pipe with a coin.

Step 6 – Take a picture of your water service line and the results of the scratch test.

Step 7 – Fill out the required fields in the survey. Click here to take the survey and upload your pictures.

Step 8 – Submit the survey.

See Frequently Asked Questions

Your Safety is Our Priority

Please be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and quality of your drinking water. We will keep you informed throughout this inventory process and provide updates as we gather more information. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to request a copy of the initial water service line inventory, do not hesitate to contact our customer service team at 410-822-6110 or info@eastonutilities.com.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to comply with EPA regulations and safeguard our community’s health.

Inspection and Verification

If we have determined that the material of your water service line is unknown, this means that we do not have sufficient information to confirm whether your service line contains lead, copper, or other materials. As part of this initiative, we will conduct field verification throughout the coming years to identify water service line materials between the watermain and the meter. However, to complete the service line inventory we need your help to identify the materials between the water meter and your house.

Health Effects of Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Easton Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying, reporting, and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk.

Steps to Minimize Exposure to Lead

Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact Easton Utilities at 410-822-6110. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.