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.

EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
October 2024

Lead in drinking water irreparably harms children and adults. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can impact brain development in children kidney function in adults, and interferes with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The federal government banned the installation of new lead pipes in 1986, yet up to 9 million homes and businesses are still connected to water mains through legacy lead pipes in neighborhoods across America. These remaining lead pipes are disproportionately concentrated in low-income communities and communities of color.

For the full article from the EPA, please click here.

For the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements article, please click here.

Lead Service Line Inventory as of October 4, 2024

Generated by wpDataTables

Service Line Survey Information

Service Line Survey Information

TAKE THE LEAD 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 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 and Answers about the Lead Service Line Project

What is the Lead Service Line Project?

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 must identify where lead pipes exist in their systems, including those on the customer side that connect to the public water system.

On October 8th, 2024, the Biden administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.

Why do residents need to complete the survey?

The purpose of the survey is to help identify the material used in the private service lines (the portion of the line between the home and the curb-stop). This is essential for the lead service line inventory.

Does someone from the Water Department verify that the survey results are correct?

Yes, the Village will validate service line material types through two methods: Hydro Excavation (also known as potholing) at the curb-stop or by using Electro Scan, an emerging technology that uses a handheld scanner starting at the water meter to detect materials and potential issues.

What is the next step in the process?

The Village will continue to update the lead service line inventory as we gather more information about service line materials throughout the area. As the assessment progresses, a replacement plan will also be developed.

Who is responsible for replacing the water line from the road to my house?

The Village is responsible for the public side of the service line, which includes the section from the water main to the curb-stop. Homeowners are responsible for the private side, which runs from the curb-stop to the house.

Who pays for the replacement?

The Village will seek federal and state funding to assist with the replacement of service lines. The first step is conducting the service line inventory to determine the materials used throughout the Village.

Is there a state grant to help with replacement?

Yes, federal and state grants are available to assist with the replacement of lead service lines. These funds will help offset the cost to the Village and residents.

When will this process take place?

The Village has already begun the lead service line inventory assessment. Hydro excavation and Electro Scan validation of selected service lines will begin in mid-November and continue through the end of December.

Where can residents get their water tested?

For information about water testing, please contact the Orange County Health Department at 845-360-6600 or visit their website: Orange County Health Department Water Testing.

Where can I find updated information?

Residents can find updates on the Lead Service Line Project through the following channels:

Where can I find information about Village of Warwick Annual Water Quality Report?

Warwick Residents can find information about Village of Warwick Annual Water Quality Report visiting The Village of Warwick website or visiting:

(English Version): https://villageofwarwick.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-Annual-Water-Report-English.pdf

(Spanish Version): https://villageofwarwick.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-Annual-Water-Report-Spanish.pdf

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.

Still unsure of what your service line is made of?
Check out this informative video featuring Mayor Newhard, who will guide
you through the process of identifying your service line material.

                                              © 2025 Village of Warwick, New York