Lead Service Line Inventory

The Exeter Water Department needs your assistance! Notices were mailed out to certain water service residents with unknown water service line material. The steps below will help you locate your water service and help determine the water service’s pipe material. 

Guide to locating your water service

Step 1: Your water service most likely enters through the lowest level, up through the basement floor or low along the foundation wall. The water service line may also be located within a crawl space or utility closet and will be connected to your water meter.

Step 2: Once you have located your water service, you will need to determine your water service pipe material.  To do this, you will need a magnet and a key, coin, or flathead screwdriver to lightly scratch the pipe.  

• Start by testing the water service with the magnet. If the magnet sticks to the pipe, it will likely be galvanized iron and will usually appear black or rusty and may flake when scratched. Use a key, coin or the flat edge of a screwdriver to scratch through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe. DO NOT use a sharp object to perform the scratch test and be careful not to puncture a hole in the pipe. The base metal may become shiny silver when scratched.

  • If the pipe is black, blue, or white with lettering printed along the length of the pipe, it is most likely plastic.  Plastic will not easily scratch and will not be magnetic.

  • Copper is identifiable by its color, usually a dull oxidized green or brown and will shine like a new penny when scratched.  Copper is also non-magnetic.

Step 3: Now that you can identify your water service pipe material, fill out the online form, attach a photo of your water service, and click submit to complete!

To assist with this effort, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is providing the following:

• How to confirm your water service line material - Direct site to NHDES
• Lab testing for lead in drinking water through your water provider.
• Drinking water lead testing for licensed child care centers and public schools at all faucets where children can drink the water, through our Get The Lead Out New Hampshire program.

Those who received a letter have a water service line that has yet to be determined. Subsequently, the service line has been classified as Lead Status Unknown. This means that all or a portion of the service line has the potential to be lead or galvanized piping and would require replacement. The Town of Exeter’s water supply does not contain lead, but when supplied through a home’s service line of unknown material it could have the potential to increase your risk of exposure. 

Lead Service Line Background Information:

The Exeter Water Department contracted Weston and Sampson to complete a Lead Service Line Inventory study. Water providers must comply with new federal requirements for lead in drinking water.  For decades, water systems have rigorously tested the drinking water they provide to their customers for lead throughout the water system, and per state and federal law have implemented measures to reduce lead when elevated levels were present. Over time, federal and state regulations have become more protective in reducing lead in drinking water. 

The new federal regulations require that water systems identify all service line materials to locate and replace all lead and galvanized pipe downstream of lead by 2037.  If a water system has not yet determined the type of material of the service line for your property or has identified that your service line contains lead or galvanized pipe downstream of lead, notices must be sent to you annually by the water system. The notice is intended to make you aware of the status of your service line and identifies actions you can take to help your water provider continue to assess and make improvements to the water system, where necessary.

Questions and Answers

What is a service line?

A service line is the piping that runs from the water main to the building inlet. Ownership varies by water system but is typically split between the water system and the customer. The Town of Exeter owns the section of the service line from the main to the home’s curb stop, while the section from the curb stop to the meter is owned by the customer. One or both of these portions of the service line have unknown materials.

How can I determine my service line material?

Exeter Public Works is continuing service line identification. 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. To aid in verifying the customer-owned portion of the line, please visit www.epa.gov/protectyourtap for instructions on identifying your service line material. Information and photos can be submitted by utilizing the service line questionnaire available here: Lead Service Line Inventory Submission 

What are the health effects of lead?                                                   

The Environmental Protection Agency requires that we inform you of the following: “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 it until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
• Do NOT boil water to attempt to remove lead.
• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water (such as bottled water or water filters).
• Re-test your water for lead periodically.
• Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.

Water Sample Requests

Getting my water sampled:

If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you may have it tested at no cost to you.  Please reach out using the contact information below to request a sample test kit.

Contact us at 603-773-6157 or exeterlsli@exeternh.gov

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's website or contact your health care provider.