Lead and Lead Service Line Replacement Information
Under the new federal and state regulations, service lines made of lead, galvanized steel or iron, lead connectors, lead pipes, lead soldered pipe joints, and leaded brass or bronze alloy fittings must be inventoried. Service lines made of lead or galvanized materials require replacement under the new RIDOH regulations. Service lines with brass or bronze piping and fittings are categorized as lead as of October 2024, out of an abundance of caution, though they may not require replacement.
Click HERE to view the interactive service line map. You can look up your address to see what we have currently inventoried for your water service line material.
IF YOUR SERVICE LINE REQUIRES A FULL REPLACEMENT UNDER CURRENT REGULATIONS, WE WILL CONTACT YOU WITH FURTHER INFORMATION!
The PWSB is kicking off a partnership with the EPA and the RIDOH as part of the “Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative” where we will be developing lead service line replacement plans to ensure 100% identification and full replacement of all lead service lines. This includes technical assistance for funding of service line replacement, and a customized plan to facilitate this work in our water distribution system.
To reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, consumers can consider the use of a drinking water filter that has been evaluated by an accredited third-party certification body to reduce lead. Be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead (NSF 53/42-certified). This tool will help consumers select point-of-use (POU) and pitcher filters that have been evaluated by an accredited third-party certification body
If you have received a notice in the mail from Hydro Utilities, please ensure that you make an appointment to replace your water meter as soon as you receive your first notice in the mail. The technicians from Hydro Utilities are documenting the material of all water service lines inside of homes as part of the meter replacement project.
Making an appointment with Hydro Utilites is the quickest and most efficient method for the PWSB to catalogue all private-side service line connections.
If you live in Cumberland or Central Falls, please call 1-866-983-8080 and Hydro Utilites can schedule your appointment NOW.
If you live in Pawtucket, and have not yet received the notice from Hydro Utilites, all it means is that Hydro Utilities has not commenced work in your section of the city yet. You will receive a notice soon. Please feel free to call 1-866-983-8080 for additional information from Hydro Utilites.
If you have already had your meter changed out, it means that the PWSB has received the information regarding your service line material and will be updating our database with that information soon. If any further actions are needed on your part, the PWSB will contact you as soon as possible.
The Pawtucket Water Supply Board is committed to ensuring that all lead is removed from our water system, in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The drinking water that leaves our treatment plant in Pawtucket and is distributed through the Pawtucket Water Supply Board system does not contain lead. While the water that we provide to homes and businesses is lead-free, lead can get into the water as it moves through lead-containing household fixtures, plumbing and water service lines. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Click HERE to view the PWSB Lead Information Brochure.
This brochure contains information on health effects, testing, lead sources, and steps you can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Available in English and Spanish.
As of October 16, 2024, public water systems are required to comply with new regulations under the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These regulations are part of ongoing efforts to reduce lead exposure from drinking water, improve public health, and ensure safe drinking water for everyone.
Click HERE to view some frequently asked questions to help you understand these new requirements and how they may affect your water service.
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How Lead Gets into Drinking Water
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.
Here at the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, we have fully removed and replaced all known lead service lines in the entire distribution system. However, it is still possible that the water pipes within your home could be made of lead.
Find out if you have lead pipes in your home with the Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead guide.
Protect Your Tap is an on-line step by step guide to learn how to find lead pipes, called service lines, in your home. It also provides tips about reducing exposure to lead in drinking water and how to get your water tested for lead and resources to learn more.
The Pawtucket Water Supply Board has a multi-pronged approach to reducing lead at our customers’ tap:
Lead Service Line Replacement
As of October 2024, the PWSB has partnered with the EPA and the Rhode Island Department of Health on the “Get the Lead Out Initiative,” to assist with helping us identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out.
Please continue to monitor this page for additional Lead Service Line Replacement options
Water Main Rehabilitation
The PWSB continually engages in projects in order to continue providing reliable, safe, and clean drinking water to our customers. Our Water Main Rehabilitation program includes replacing and rehabilitating aging infrastructure, replacing lead service lines, rehabilitating water mains, and installing new water mains to improve our water distribution system.
Corrosion Control Treatment
Corrosion control is essentially treating the water to help prevent lead from leaching out of pipe. The professionals at Pawtucket Water treat your drinking water so that when it leaves our treatment plant in Pawtucket, it meets all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state drinking water requirements. As a normal part of the treatment process, we adjust the pH of the water to control corrosion in the pipes under the streets and in your home. Corrosion can cause metals, such as lead in pipes, to be released into the drinking water. Treated water leaving the plant does not contain lead, however some homes have service lines and household plumbing that may contain lead.
Public Education & Outreach
Pawtucket Water is committed to educating our customers about the sources of lead and how they can reduce lead levels at their tap.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resources for Lead in Drinking Water
The following links will open a new tab and take you to the EPA’s website:
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Pawtucket Water Supply Board Resources:
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Unidirectional Flushing Program
In the warmer months of the year (generally April-November), the PWSB runs the water main flushing program. The purpose of water main flushing via hydrants is to improve water quality throughout the system by removing mineral and sediment buildup from water mains. Another added benefit is the ability to verify proper operation of all hydrants in the system and evaluate the available flow to each hydrant.
During flushing operations in your neighborhood, you may notice some short-term increases in the color and iron level in your cold water. Although harmless to health, you should avoid using your tap water for household purposes during this period as it may cause minor staining of fixtures and laundry. If you do use the tap, allow your cold water to run for a few minutes at full velocity before use and avoid using hot water to prevent sediment accumulation in your hot water tank.