Service Line Material Letters

In the process of preparing a system-wide service line inventory according to EPA’s initial inventory requirements specified in the January 15, 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) it has been determined that the service line to your property is of either Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR), unknown, or lead-free status.  What this means is that all or part of the total service line from the main in the street to the household/building plumbing is possibly of an unknown material.  It is possible that either the system owned portion or the customer owned portion, or both, may contain lead.  Customers with either a GRR line or an unknown line will receive letters informing you of your line status to the best of our knowledge.  These letters are simply informational and do not require any action at this time.  

Tunkhannock Borough Municipal Authority owns the section of the service line from the water main to the curb stop, while the section from the curb stop to the water meter is owned by the customer.

Should you choose to replace your portion of the water service please be aware that we are required to replace the water system-owned portion of the service line upon notification that the customer-owned portion will be undergoing replacement.  If you are replacing the customer-owned portion of the service line, please notify us as soon as possible at (570) 836-3493 so we may coordinate our efforts.

Important: Customers can still use their water as they normally would, as the water provided by Tunkhannock Borough Municipal Authority continues to meet state and federal water quality standards, including those set for lead.

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.

Examples of sources of lead can also include materials inside the home or building, such as copper pipes with solder installed prior to the state’s lead ban, some faucets purchased prior to January 4, 2014, and lead paint in homes that pre-date 1978. In addition, lead can be present in dust and soil. EPA’s website includes information prepared by EPA and other agencies about different sources of lead and how consumers can protect themselves.

EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Lead is a toxic metal that is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. Risk will vary depending on the individual, the chemical conditions of the water, and the amount consumed.

You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. The best way to know your risk of exposure to lead in drinking water is to identify the potential sources of lead in your service line and household plumbing.

If you are concerned about lead in water or know that your plumbing contains lead, you can take action to reduce the amount of lead in your drinking water and minimize your potential for exposure.

Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

Below are EPA recommended actions that a person may take, separately or in combination, if they are concerned about lead in their drinking water.  The list is not intended to be exhaustive or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead from drinking water.  EPA recommends you also contact your local water system and health department.

• Have your water tested. Contact your water utility for information on having your water tested.

• Learn if you have a lead service line. Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead.

• Run your water. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community.

• Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Be aware of any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your lead service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line.

• Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.

• 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 your filter properly. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install 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.

Please note: Internal plumbing may include joints that are sealed with solder that contains lead. Internal plumbing can significantly contribute to lead in water. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those labelled 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 labelled as lead free. Property owners may want to hire a licensed plumber to replace their internal plumbing, in addition to replacing the service line. Tunkhannock Borough Municipal Authority recommends flushing your tap (turn on the faucet and let the water run) for at least three minutes after water has been unused for more than 6 hours, to eliminate water that may contain lead.

For more information, call us at (570) 836-3493. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at http://www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.

The service line inventory is available to the public at the Municipal Authority office. The inventory represents the best data the water system has at this time and is being continuously updated as data becomes available.  The data is based on historical records, information provided directly by customers, and in some cases, direct inspections by Authority personnel. Customers can assist in the inventory by notifying us of their line material where it enters the house.  A service line inventory form is available on our website at tunkhannockma.org.  Customers may also contact the Authority office at (570) 836-3493 and we will take your information over the phone or schedule a time for Authority personnel to perform an in-home inspection free of charge.

Reminder: If you are planning to replace your service line please contact us in advance at (570) 836-3493.