Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further Notice
Background
On December 16, 2021, the Federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) went into effect. The revised rule requires every federally defined community and non-transient, non-community water system to develop a service line inventory. By 2024, all water utilities are required to determine where lead pipes exist in their systems, including the pipes on the customer side that connect to the public system.
How does lead get into my drinking water?
Lead is rarely found naturally in our source water or in the treated water flowing through the distribution system. More commonly, lead leaches into water over time through corrosion – a dissolving or wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction between water and you’re plumbing. Lead can leach into water from pipes, solder, fixtures, faucets (brass) and fittings. The amount of lead in your water depends on the types and amounts of minerals in the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the water’s corrosivity, and water temperature.
The Village of Warwick utilizes a corrosion inhibitor as part of its water treatment process. Our corrosion inhibitor contains a proprietary orthophosphate blend for the purpose of lead/copper corrosion control.
Is my home at risk for lead plumbing?
The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In 1986, Congress enacted the “lead ban,” which stated that not only public water systems, but also anyone else who intends to install or repair drinking water plumbing connected to a public water system, must use “lead free materials.” As a result, homes built in or after 1986 are far less likely to have lead pipes and solder.
How will I know if my drinking water has lead in it?
The Village of Warwick regularly tests the water at twenty-two (22) customer locations. The Action level for lead was exceeded at one of the twenty-two (22) sites tested. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426- 4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children. It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community, because of materials used in customers plumbing components.
The Village of Warwick is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in a customer’s plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.
Service Line Survey
The Village of Warwick has records of underground infrastructure, which helps manage maintenance and prioritization of repair and replacement. The Village needs the cooperation of our customers to help complete the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) assessment, showing all public and private service line connections.
The information provided by you will help us meet regulatory requirements, as well as apply for infrastructure grants available in the future!
Please complete our online Service Line Survey (Click Here) to inform us of your service line material coming onto your property. If you are not sure of your service line material, use the steps below to check your service line.
Steps to Check Your Service Line
Materials Needed: Key or coin, strong magnet, phone, or tablet (to take picture)
Step 1: Location
- Find the water meter on your This can be in a basement, crawl space or other exterior wall. (Reference images below for visual assistance)
- Look for the pipe that comes through the wall of your home and connects to the
Step 2: Test the Pipe
- Use a key or coin to gently scratch the pipe like you would scratch a lottery
- If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal
- Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks to the
Step 3: Conclusion & Submission
- Determine your pipe material based on the scratch test and magnet
- Take a picture of the service line (incoming water service).
- Complete the SURVEY.
Types of Service Line Materials
IF YOUR PIPE IS COPPER: The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. Magnet won’t stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS LEAD: The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched. Magnet won’t stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS GALVANIZED STEEL: The scratched area will remain a dull gray. Magnet will stick.
IF YOUR PIPE IS PLASTIC OR PVC: If the service line is blue, white, or black, does not appear to be any of the other materials listed above, and a magnet will not stick to the surface, your service line is most likely plastic.
Reference/Videos
Click here for a video about lead and how to perform a test
Village of Warwick Customer Survey Flyer
Questions
If you have any questions or need assistance with the survey, please contact the Water Department at (845) 986-2031 ext. 105 or by emailing waterbilling@villageofwarwick.org.
