General introduction and importance
Background
To comply with Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, effective on December 16, 2021, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of Frederick must develop an initial inventory of lead service lines that are a part of the City’s water system. This inventory will help the city access funding and plan for the eventual replacement of all lead service lines. For more information about how lead gets into drinking water and the possible effects of being exposed to lead in drinking water see this EPA website Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water The city has limited records detailing the materials on the private side of the water service line, as this portion was not installed by the city, and is privately owned. This is why we need your help to identify the material of the water service line entering your home.
Water Quality Testing and Treatment
The City of Frederick ensures that residents have access to quality drinking water and takes steps to protect residents against the known presence of lead pipes in the system. All water supplied in the system is treated with anti-corrosion chemicals to help prevent lead service lines, or indoor plumbing, from corroding and releasing lead into the water. Frederick’s water is regularly tested, and the most recent results showed the water supplied to the City met or surpassed EPA regulations, Annual Drinking Water Quality Report Although the treatment of the water is effective at preventing lead from entering the water, is still important to find and replace any lead pipes, as lead can still leach into treated water.
WE NEED YOUR HELP – All SURVEYS MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 31, 2024
Follow these steps below to identify the material of your service line, or watch the tutorial video:
1. Find your water meter or main shut off valve
Your water meter and/or main shut off valve will be located inside your building. Usually located in basements, or crawl spaces and are typically near the wall facing the street. Do not open any water meter cover outside your home, only complete this survey on the portion of the service line inside your home
2. Find your service line
The service line will enter the house near the meter and main shut off valve on the same wall. Call 301-600-3884 if you cannot locate your line, or do not have internet access to complete the survey.
3. Use the following items for identification
- Key or Screwdriver
- Magnet
- Coin (s)
- Camera
4. Use a key to scratch your water service pipe
- Scratch lightly and as close to the wall where it enters the building as possible.
- Make a note of the color of the pipe when scratched.
5. Place the magnet on the pipe
- Make a note if the magnet is stuck to the pipe.
6. Tap the pipe with a coin
- Make a note if the sound produced creates a metallic or ring sound, or makes a dull noise.
7. Take a picture of your service pipe
- In the picture be sure to include the area of the scratch test to show the result