Lead Service Line Information
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District continues to identify and to replace lead waterlines throughout our service area. Since our lead waterline removal program began in 2018, we have replaced hundreds of lead service lines and are on track to replace all lead waterlines by 2037. Part of this effort includes identifying all 20,000 waterlines ini our service area. Through home records, inspection, and recent projects, we have identified over 75% of waterlines.
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District is in compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations. The District’s highly qualified professionals take their jobs of protecting public health by providing safe drinking water very seriously. When compliance issues arise, The District promptly notifies the media and customers. There is no lead in the treated water that leaves our provider’s water plants, nor in the source water these water plants use. To prevent corrosive conditions that could cause leaching of lead, certified water operators add corrosion control treatment to the water. This creates a coating inside the pipes to serve as barrier between the pipes and water.
MAP TO SEE IF YOUR WATERLINE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIEDThe District is increasing efforts to identify all waterlines within the system. If the material of your waterline is unknown, you will receive a postcard requesting your help in identifying your waterline.
If You Receive a Postcard Notice:
To comply with Ohio EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, we are asking for your help in identifying waterline materials in your home/business. We offer two testing options:
DIY AT HOME TEST
You can view the D.I.Y Water Service Line Identification Steps and follow the guidelines to identify your water service line using a flathead screwdriver, refrigerator magnet and a penny.
Locate your waterline. Most lines are located in your basement, crawl space, or utility room.
Compare with these pictures
Report material
DISTRICT SERVICE TECHNICIAN IN HOME TEST
If you would like assistance in identifying your waterline service line material, our operators can test your waterline for you. Just contact 419-354-9090 Extension 170 to schedule an appointment.
Because identification of all waterlines within our service area is required by the Ohio EPA, unidentified lines may be subject to inspection through excavation on your property.
In November, If your service line is identified as lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown, you will receive a letter with more information regarding lead safety and may be subject to water sampling in your home.
Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water at Home
If you know or suspect that you have lead service lines or plumbing, there are ways to reduce your exposure to lead in your drinking water:
Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
Before drinking, flush your pipes by running your tap, showering, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes.
Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator).
Contact The District to learn more about sources of lead and how to remove lead service lines.
Consider using a certified water filter to remove lead and know when to replace it.
Review the EPA’s Lead in Drinking Water Infographic (PDF).
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Information
If your home is identified as having lead water service lines, you will be notified via mail. The District continues to identify all 20,000 waterlines within our service area.
Even though you may have lead pipes, your water is safe to drink. The Northwestern Water & Sewer District (The District) and your water treatment provider are taking the proper steps to ensure your water is not contaminated.
If your water service lines in your home or business are identified as lead, you will be notified by The District via mail starting in November 2024.
If you know or suspect that you have lead service lines or plumbing, there are ways to reduce your exposure to lead in your drinking water:
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator).
- Consider using a certified water filter to remove lead and know when to replace it.
- Before drinking, flush your pipes by running your tap, showering, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes.
- Contact The District to learn more about sources of lead and how to remove lead service lines.
- Review Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water can add to that exposure.
Lead is sometimes used in household plumbing materials or in water service lines used to bring water from the main to the home. Lead was banned from plumbing materials used to provide water for human consumption in 1986. The Safe Drinking Water Act states that only “lead free” pipe, solder, or flux may be used in the installation or repair of plumbing materials.
Action Level for Treatment Technique = 0.015 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) or 0.015 parts per million (ppm)
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal MCLG = 0 mg/L or 0 ppm
How Lead Gets in Your Water
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
While water doesn’t contain lead when it’s released by the treatment plant, it could contain dangerous levels by the time it reaches your sink.
Where the Lead Comes From
Certain additives dissolve metals and other minerals from pipes; chemicals, such as chloramines used to disinfect water, change water’s chemistry, making it more corrosive.
Water Main
Carries water from the treatment plant. It is rare for the water main to leach lead into the water.
Service Line
Connects each building to the water supply. Until a few decades ago, the lines commonly were made of lead. Even those installed since then might have some lead content.
Water Meter
Measures water use. Older meters could have high lead content. Even today's "lead-free" meters legally can contain as much as 8%.
Solder
Used to join pipes. After copper pipes replaced lead pipes, solder became a major contributor of lead contamination. Today's "lead-free" solder can contain no more than 0.2%.
Household Plumbing
Carries water through a home. Older homes may have lead pipes. Newer plumbing also may have substantial lead content, including "lead-free" pipes, which can contain as much as 8%.
Faucets
Brass fixtures (which include many chromed fixtures) are most likely to contain lead. Like other water pipes and fixtures, "lead-free" faucets can contain as much as 8%
Children: Delays in physical or mental development
Adults: Kidney problems, high blood pressure