The CSJMA is in the progress of conducting a mandatory service line composition inventory. In the event we either determine your service line to contain lead, or we cannot determine the composition of your service line, you will receive a notice from us.
For further information regarding your service line, our service line inventory is accessible at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Conyngham Water Company is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at. www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
What is a Service Line?
A service line is the piping that connects your household or building plumbing to the water main in the street. Ownership varies by water system but is typically split between the water system and the customer. The CSJMA owns the section of the service line from the water main to the water main side of the curb stop, while the section from the building side of the curb stop to the water meter is owned by the customer.
How Can I Determine My Service Line Material?
The CSJMA is continuing service line identification and replacement. If your service line is found to contain lead or galvanized piping requiring replacement, you will receive a separate notice with information about service line replacement and financing opportunities. A representative from CSJMA can inspect your interior plumbing to rule out the presence of lead or galvanized materials. Please call 570-788-0608 to schedule an inspection.
What are the 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.
What Can I do to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
- Run your water to flush out lead. If the water hasn’t been used for several hours, run the water for 15-30 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or run the water until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking. Only use cold water for drinking and cooking.
- Do NOT use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
- Do NOT boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Look for alternative sources or treatment of water, such as use of a pitcher filter that is certified to remove lead and replace the cartridges on a routine frequency or use bottled water.
- Identify and replace premise plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead free” installed prior to 2014, may contribute lead to drinking water because the law allowed fixtures with up to 8% lead to be labeled as lead free.
- Regularly clean your aerators/screens on plumbing fixtures. Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
For more information, call us at (570) 788-0608. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.