NOTICE OF INITIAL SERVICE LINE STATUS 

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water systems to develop an inventory of all service line pipes in their water distribution system and classify the materials of their service line pipes as either Lead, Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR), Non-Lead, or Lead Status Unknown.    At this time, the Town of Chesapeake City has determined that your water service line pipe, connecting the water supply to your property, is made from an unknown material, but may be lead.  Because your service line material is unknown, there is the potential that some or all of the service line could be made of lead or galvanized pipe that was previously connected to lead.  People living in homes or buildings with a lead or galvanized pipe previously connected to a lead service line may have an increased risk of exposure to lead from their drinking water.  Please share this information with anyone who drinks and/or cooks using water at this property.

Identifying Service Line Material

To help us with the inventory and to determine the material of your service line, please use the form at this link https://form.jotform.com/243023940171043  to record any knowledge of your water service or contact the Town of Chesapeake City at 410-885-5298 or email  EPA has developed an online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes called Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead.  It is available at: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead

Replacing Your Service Line

If you are planning on replacing the portion of the service line that you own, please notify the Town of Chesapeake City at 410 885 5298 or email

 

LEAD INFORMATION

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.

Sources of Lead

The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials.  In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics.  Other sources include exposure in the workplace and exposure from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes).  Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water.  The EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water.  Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water

1.      Run your water to flush out the lead.  The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain.  Before drinking, if water has not been used for several hours, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes.  The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether the service line pipe connecting to the building is made of lead, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in the building.

2.      Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.  Lead dissolves more easily in hot water.

3.      Do not boil water to remove lead.  Boiling water will not reduce lead levels.

4.      Look for alternative sources or treatment of water.  You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.  Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters.

5.      Test your water for lead.  The Town does not provide testing. To find out how to get your water tested for lead, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) certified labs can be found at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Documents/MD%20Certified%20Drinking%20Water%20Lab%20list.pdf

6.      Get your child tested.  Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.

7.      Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead.  Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water.  Visit NSF International’s Web site at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.

8.      Clean your aerator.  Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator).  Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator.  If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.

9.      Filter Use.  If you use a filter to remove lead from drinking water, it should be certified for lead removal.  Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it.  Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead.  For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead

10.  Learn about construction in your neighborhood.  Contact us at 410-885-5298 to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line.  Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line or galvanized service line if present.

 

Additional Information

For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/lead.  Information on the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) from the Maryland Department of the Environment can be found at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx