Understanding the USEPA Required Service Line Inventory Survey for Ironton Residents

November 15, 2024

The City of Ironton is taking proactive steps to comply with the USEPA’s requirements for identifying water service lines. If you’ve recently received a notice regarding the unknown lead status of your service line, you might be wondering what it means, why it matters, and what you can do. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the survey and help you take the necessary steps to protect your health and home.

What Does “Lead Status Unknown Service Line” Mean?

A “lead status unknown service line” means that the material of the pipe connecting the city’s water main to your home is not clearly identified. This pipe—called the service line—could be made of lead, galvanized steel, copper, or other materials.

The City of Ironton water treatment plant is conducting this survey to identify the composition of every service line in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Knowing whether your service line contains lead or other materials helps establish whether action is required to minimize potential health risks.

Why Should You Take This Seriously?

You may be wondering, “Why does the material of my service line matter?” The main concern with any lead-based materials is their potential impact on health. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like infants, young children, and pregnant individuals.

• For children, lead exposure can lead to reversible and irreparable effects, such as reduced IQ, attention disorders, and delayed growth or nervous system responses.
• For adults, long-term exposure increases the risk for high blood pressure, kidney issues, and cardiovascular problems.

With these serious implications in mind, identifying the material of your service line is an important first step toward ensuring the safety of your household.

How Can You Minimize Lead Exposure in Your Drinking Water?

If lead is present in your service line or plumbing, there are several steps you can take to reduce exposure while awaiting further action from the city:

• Flush Your Taps: If water has been sitting in your pipes for six hours or more, flush the tap by running cold water until it becomes noticeably colder. This clears out any water that may have absorbed lead while sitting stagnant.
• Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula, as lead dissolves more readily in hot water.
• Install an ANSI-Certified Lead Filter: Filters certified to the ANSI/NSF 53 standard for lead removal can effectively reduce lead levels in your water. Remember to replace filters as per manufacturer recommendations.
• Clean Faucet Aerators: Regularly remove and clean your faucet aerator (the small screen at the tip of your faucet) to clear out any particles that may contain lead.
• Replace Lead Fixtures: Many older faucets, valves, and plumbing fixtures contain lead. Upgrading these fixtures to lead-free alternatives is a long-term solution.
• Consider Water Testing: You can have your water tested to evaluate lead levels. Contact the water treatment plant at 740-532-3412 for more information.
• Consult Healthcare Providers: If you’re concerned about lead exposure, especially for young children or pregnant individuals, consult your doctor about testing blood lead levels.

These measures can help you mitigate risks while the City of Ironton works to identify and remediate lead lines.

What Actions is the City of Ironton Taking?

The City of Ironton is committed to complying with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirements to inventory and address service lines. The current survey aims to identify service lines that contain lead, are galvanized, or require replacement. Once this process is complete, steps will be taken to replace any lead or unsafe service lines to ensure safe drinking water for all residents.

The inventory process is part of a nationwide effort to comply with EPA lead-tracing guidelines to improve public health and water safety. While no lead concentrations of health concern have been detected in Ironton’s water system, this proactive approach ensures long-term safety and trust.

What Can You Do About Your Unknown Service Line?

If your service line’s material is listed as unknown in the city’s records, there are steps you can take to help:

1. Determine the Service Line Material Yourself

Identifying your service line material is simpler than it sounds. Here’s a quick guide:

• Locate the service line where it enters your home. This is typically near the inlet valve in your basement, crawl space, or garage.
• Examine the pipe:
• • If it is plastic, you’re in the clear—plastic pipes do not contain lead.
  • If it is metal, perform the following:
  1. Scratch the surface gently with a key or coin. If it reveals a shiny silver color, it may be lead.
  2. Hold a strong magnet to the pipe. If the magnet sticks, it is galvanized steel or iron. If it doesn’t, the pipe is likely copper or lead.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after performing these tests.
  2. Hire a Professional

  A licensed plumber can inspect your service line and indoor plumbing to confirm whether lead is present.

  3. Use a Lead Test Kit

  EPA-approved lead testing kits are available at most hardware stores. These kits can test pipes directly (but not the water inside them).

  4. Contact the City for Assistance

  If you’re unsure or unable to identify your service line material, contact Ryan Watts at the City of Ironton or consult resources on the EPA’s website.

  By identifying whether your service line contains lead, you can actively participate in ensuring your household’s safety and aid in the city’s compliance efforts.

A Quick Guide to Determining Your Service Line Material

Here’s a condensed version of the identification process:

• Plastic: Usually white, rigid, and joined with clamps.
• Copper: Reddish-brown, like a penny.
• Galvanized Steel/Iron: Dull silver-gray; a magnet will stick.
• Lead: Silver-gray with a soft surface that scratches easily; a magnet will not stick.

If you’re unsure, consult a professional or reach out to the city for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the material of your service line is vital for your household’s safety and for protecting public health in the City of Ironton. By participating in this important survey, you’ll be contributing to a healthier future for your family and your community.

For more resources, visit the EPA’s lead information page, call the Ironton water treatment plant at 740-532-3412, or consult with a licensed plumber. Together, we can mitigate the risks and ensure safe, lead-free drinking water for everyone in Ironton.