GET THE LEAD OUt
EPA recently changed the way lead in drinking water is regulated. The updated rules required us to do a thorough investigation of the types of pipes used in our water system to determine whether or not any of them could be a source of lead.
We examined 5,980 water services (a service is the pipe that provides water from the large mains in the street to a customer’s premises).
Of those, 9 were determined to be lead. These customers have been notified so they can consider the potential risks and remedies.
93 services were determined to be galvanized iron. Galvanized iron services are a potential source of lead because they may have accumulated lead particles over many decades of use. Click here to learn more about lead and galvanized pipes.
There are currently 260 water services that were unknown based on review of our records. Click here if your service line is listed as an unknown material on the interactive map below.
“Lead Service Line Inventory.” City of Lancaster, 18 July 2024, http://www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/lead-service-line/.
What are the sources of lead in drinking water?
The diagram at right shows where lead can come from. Mostly it comes from pipes and fixtures inside a building. Some can come from the service pipe from the main in the street into the house. Part of that service is owned by the customer and the remainder is owned by GAUD.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD IN DRINKING WATER?
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant women, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreased IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of those harmful health effects.
Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure. kidney or nervous system problems. Contact your health care provider for more information about your risks. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead, or contact your health care provider.
“Infographic: Lead in Drinking Water.” Environmental Protection Agency, 8 Jan. 2024, https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/infographic-lead-drinking-water.
TESTING YOUR WATER
People are understandably concerned about lead in their drinking water. The amount of lead in our tap water is very low based on testing results at high risk locations.
In 2018 we measured the 90th percentile of lead in our water distribution system at 3 parts per billion (ppb), which is 80% below the 15 ppb “Action Level” (the level at which there is a health concern requiring mitigation).
Given the possibility of lead entering tap water from private-property plumbing, we encourage our customers—and residents with private wells—to test their water for lead. This can be done quickly and inexpensively by local laboratories.
Click here for a list of laboratories.
WATER SERVICE REPLACEMENT
GAUD will replace your lead or galvanized water service at no cost to you thanks to a grant from the Maine Drinking Water Program. We will contact you directly if we have identified your property as having a service that needs to be replaced as part of this program.
If you believe you have a lead or galvanized water service and would like to discuss replacement, please give us a call at (207) 622-3701.
INTERACTIVE WATER SERVICE MAP
The information contained within this interactive map is based on historical records and physical inspections. This map will be periodically updated to reflect new information obtained in the course of our work. If you believe that your water service material is not accurate, please contact our office at (207) 622-3701.
Click here for the mobile friendly map.