What is a Lead Status “Unknown” Service Line? 

A service line is the pipe connecting the water main to the building inlet. A typical configuration of a service line is shown in the figure. The Village owns the service line from the water main to the curb stop and property owners own the service line from the curb stop to the building inlet. When any section of the service line material is unknown, we need to categorize it as a lead status “unknown” service line. 

What Does It Mean? 

We don’t know what your service line or portion of it is made of. Until we can confirm that the entire length of your service line is not made of lead, we will continue to provide information about lead in drinking water once a year, so you can take precautionary measures to minimize your potential exposure to lead in drinking water. 

Source of Lead in Drinking Water 

Lead enters drinking water from a lead service line and indoor plumbing materials such as lead solder on copper pipes and chrome-plated brass or brass fixtures and faucets. 

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 worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.  

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead In Drinking Water 

Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water. 

Use filters properly. 

Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, see EPA’s https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead.  

Clean your aerator. 

Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.  

Use cold water. 

Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.   

Have your water tested. 

Contact a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present.  

Get your child tested to determine lead levels in their blood. 

Although there is no confirmation of having a lead service line, you may wish to speak with a healthcare provider to see if your child’s blood lead level is elevated and/or if there is a need for blood testing, if you are concerned about potential exposure. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/advisory/acclpp/actions-blls.htm for information on these actions.

Perform a Water Service Self Check

 Go to the Water Service Self Check page and follow the guidelines.

For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead. 

The Village of Voorheesville is responsible for maintaining an inventory of all service lines, so please keep us updated if your service line changes.