Public Water Systems Sending Notices to Customers to Identify Service Lines as Part of New Federal Requirements

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is advising the public that as part of a new federal requirement associated with lead in drinking water, public water system (PWS) customers may receive a letter in the mail before the end of the year indicating that their water system either does not have records of the materials used in their water service line (the pipe connecting the water main to the building), or has information indicating the service line could contain lead components. This effort is meant to raise awareness of service line materials to help customers avoid possible exposure to lead in their drinking water. Customers who receive a letter are being asked to help their water system by following the directions outlined in the letter. Additionally, NHDES is working with water systems to offer free water tests to customers who receive a letter. The next steps outlined in the letter may include:

• If you do not receive a letter by the end of the year, the water system has determined that your service line material does not contain lead.
• If you receive a letter that states your water system does not have a record of your service line material, please contact your water system to set up an appointment for verification of service line materials. There is no reason to be overly concerned, it is likely that your service line does not contain lead components. You may want to contact your water system to arrange for a free water test.
• If you receive a letter that states your water service line contains any lead components, there are steps you can take to reduce lead exposure and work with your water system to replace those service lines. You should contact your water system to arrange for a free water test. For more information on what your water test results for lead means, please refer to our guidance document on the NHDES website.

In accordance with new federal regulations, the letters must be sent to homeowners on an annual basis until either service lines containing lead are removed, or the public water system is able to verify that a service line does not contain lead. NHDES is providing technical assistance and funding to water systems to accelerate remediation efforts.

For decades, water systems have rigorously tested the drinking water they provide to their customers throughout the water system and per state and federal law, have implemented measures to reduce lead levels when elevated levels were present. Over time, federal and state regulations have become more protective in reducing lead in drinking water.

Additionally, the public should also be on-guard for potential fraudulent efforts by unscrupulous entities to take advantage of this initiative. Customers are encouraged to confirm they are working directly with their water system and/or its designated contractors when responding to the communications they receive. Whenever they are uncertain, they should contact their water system or the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services directly before responding to written or verbal communications. Any letters requesting personal and/or financial information should be reported to your water system and local law enforcement officials immediately. 

Lead is not normally found in drinking water at the source. Typically, lead gets into drinking water from the service lines and from plumbing and fixtures inside the home that contain lead. As a result of corrosion, lead and other metals from the pipes slowly dissolve into the water. Many factors affect the amount of lead that leaches into the water, including lead content of pipes, water use/flushing patterns, fixtures, and solder, along with water temperature, pH and alkalinity. 

The letters being sent out in the coming weeks about water service lines are just one aspect of ongoing initiatives to reduce lead levels in drinking water. New federal regulations will also require that all service lines containing lead be replaced, lower the action level for lead in drinking water from 15 to 10 parts-per-billion, increase drinking water sampling reliability and expedite risk communication to individuals if lead is elevated in their drinking water. Next steps include developing service line replacement plans and completing all required replacements. 

For additional information, please visit our NH Lead in Drinking Water page or contact us at DWLead@des.nh.gov and (603) 271-2513.

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