Understanding the New EPA Guidelines Regarding Lead Service Lines
As we approach the end of the year, the water industry nationwide, including Carefree Water, has been working diligently to meet new EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requirements designed to protect customers from lead in drinking water. The most common source of lead in drinking water is from service lines, which is the small pipeline that runs from the water main in the street to your home or business (see figure at the bottom of this page).
Have there been any lead service lines found in Carefree?
Carefree Water Co has made significant progress towards the goal of identifying the material of all service lines in the Town of Carefree. We are happy to report that of the 2,700 service lines investigated so far, none have been found to be made of lead material or galvanized pipe that was previously connected to lead. Approximately 1,500 of the 2,700 services have been found to be non-lead. 1,200 services remain identified as an "unknown" material and we are anticipating additional field work to be necessary to move these into the "non-lead" category.
How do I know if my service line has been verified to be non-lead or if it is of currently unknown material?
We have issued notice via mail to customers that have service lines of unknown material requiring additional investigation.
You can also look up your service address on our Water System Inventory Dashboard map.
My service line is marked as being composed of currently unknown material. How can I determine what my service line is made of?
In order to find out the material of your service line, there are a few options available to you.
- The EPA has developed an online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes called Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead.
- A licensed plumber can determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials.
Carefree Water Company is committed to completing our service line inventory as soon as we are able, but there are approximately 1,000 services pending investigation. We are developing a plan for how this process can be completed as efficiently as possible, but it will take time to implement.
How can I test my water for lead?
You may contact a certified laboratory directly to have your water tested for lead. The Arizona Department of Health Services website has a List of Arizona Certified Commercial Drinking Water Laboratories for your reference.
You can also contact Carefree Water Company at 480-488-9100 or office@carefreewaterco.com to discuss your water testing options and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.
Our Water Quality Report is availble on our website if you would like to review water testing results for our water system.
What steps can I take to reduce lead in my 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 (known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, & 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.
- Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes providing water to your home, the more lead it may contain. 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, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. Residents may contact us at 480-488-9100 or office@carefreewaterco.com for recommendations about flushing times.
Thank you for being a valuable Carefree Water Co customer! We will be sure to update our website with more information as this process develops and additional guidance is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Service Line Diagram
