Take the City of Wilmington Water Service Line Material Survey

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In accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), the City of Wilmington is adding to our efforts to reduce possible lead exposure in drinking water.

Under the LCR, the City is conducting an inventory of all its water service lines that connect our water mains to your water meter to determine if the lines are made of lead. This work is well underway and will be reported to the public when it is completed in 2024.

For the first time, the EPA is also requiring Wilmington and every other water provider in the nation find out what water lines on private properties and inside customer homes and businesses are made of.

This is where we need your help. By taking the water service line survey below, you can send this much-needed information about your private water line directly to the City of Wilmington Water Department.

Simply follow the instructions below and we’ll all be one step closer to getting rid of any remaining lead that might remain in our water system and your home or business.

It is important to note that if you do find lead in your home or business, or if we find a lead service line leading to your water meter, it does not mean you have been exposed to lead. Wilmington uses an effective corrosion control program that greatly reduces the possibility lead from service lines could end up in your water.

If you believe you have lead in your home or business, please follow the instructions below to set an appointment with the city to review your survey results.

If the City finds a lead service line leading up to your water meter, you will be informed of the findings, provided with assistance on how you can reduce your chances of lead exposure, and receive additional water tests to make certain your water continues to be safe.

For more information on the sources and risks of lead exposure, and how you can reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water, visit the EPA webpage at epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Lead in Drinking Water Frequently Asked Questions

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead can be found in air, soil, dust, food, and water.

Why is lead a health risk?

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause immediate health effects at high doses and long-term health effects if it builds up in the body over many years. Lead can cause brain and kidney damage in addition to effects on the blood and vitamin D metabolism. 

Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to central and peripheral nervous system damage, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells. 

While people are more commonly exposed to lead through paint, soil, and dust, the EPA estimates infants who consume mostly formula mixed with water that contains lead can receive 40 percent to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.  

When was lead used in plumbing materials?

Nationally:
Lead and lead-containing materials were allowed in municipal and household plumbing until 1986. In 1986, U.S. Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to prohibit the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead-free.” At the time “lead-free” was defined as solder and flux with no more than 0.2% lead and pipes with no more than 8%. In 2014, the maximum allowable lead content was reduced to not more than a weighted average of 0.25% of the wetted surface of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.

In Wilmington’s water system:
Our experience is that the use of lead water service lines is associated with homes built prior to 1988, although we cannot rule out their use at later dates. Homes built before 1988, when the Lead Contamination Control Act went into effect, might contain lead in brass plumbing fixtures or lead solder that was used to connect copper pipes. Homes built in or after 1988 are far less likely to have plumbing fixtures or solder that contains lead.

How do I know if my drinking water contains lead?

Lead is not readily apparent in water and might be colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  The only way to know for certain whether your drinking water contains lead is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. 

How does lead get into drinking water? 

It is important to note that lead is NOT in Wilmington’s drinking water when it leaves our water treatment plant or as it travels through our water mains.  However, in some older homes, lead may be present in the pipe connecting the home to the water system – known as a service line -- or in the home plumbing such as valves, fittings, and faucets.  Lead in service pipes, plumbing or fixtures can dissolve, or particles can leach into the water and end up at the tap.

What is a water service line?

A service line is an underground pipe that carries water from Wilmington’s main to the meter, and from the meter to a home or business.  Typically, this pipe is small, with a diameter of 2 inches or less.  A service line and connection may consist of multiple plumbing material types including copper, galvanized iron, lead or plastic.  

Is water the only source of lead exposure?

No. In fact, lead in drinking water generally represents only about 10% to 20% of total exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, drinking water can account for more than half of lead exposure in children because of their lower body weight.  Additionally, because no level of lead is considered safe, completely eliminating potential sources of lead is strongly advised.

How much lead in water is too much?

Lead can be harmful even at very low levels and can accumulate in our bodies over time, so wherever possible steps should be taken to reduce or eliminate your household’s exposure.  While risks vary based on individual circumstances and the amount of water consumed, no concentration of lead is considered “safe.” Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels.

What are Wilmington’s compliance sample results for lead?

Wilmington has complied with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, and any revisions, since the rule was first established in 1991.  The results from Wilmington’s lead and copper compliance testing are provided in our Water Quality Reports (also known as Consumer Confidence Report or CCR), which the City publishes each year. You can find our reports here - https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/department-of-public-works/water-quality-reports. 

What can I do to reduce or eliminate lead from my drinking water?

The best way to remove risks of lead in water is to completely replace all sources of lead.  But there are also steps you can take right away to reduce lead levels in your water:
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Run the Tap Before Use – Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting in the pipe for several hours. Clear this water from your pipes by running the cold water for several minutes. This allows you to draw fresh water from the main. You can use this water on house plants or to flush toilets.
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Clean Aerators – Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out.
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Use Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking – Always cook and prepare baby formula with cold water, because hot water dissolves lead more quickly, resulting in higher levels in water.
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Do Not Boil Water to Remove Lead – Boiling water will not remove lead.
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Filter the Water – Many home water filters are effective at removing lead. If you purchase a filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal and that you maintain it properly. Find out more information from the EPA on how to find the correct filters here.

Are there special steps I should take to protect my developing baby, infant or young children?

Those in households with pregnant women, infants or young children should be especially aware of the potential for lead exposure through drinking water.  Babies and young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels.  The EPA estimates infants who consume mostly formula mixed with water that contains lead can receive 40 percent to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

Is it safe to shower in water that contains lead?

Because lead is not absorbed through the skin, bathing or showering in water containing lead is not considered a health risk.

How do I know if my home has a lead service line or lead plumbing?

The Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule is focused on finding all remaining lead in our nation's water systems. To accomplish this, all water systems must conduct an inventory of their utility and customer lines.
 
The City of Wilmington must investigate the service lines, connections, and fixtures on our customers' private properties, which are your responsibility to maintain or replace. This new regulation is one where Wilmington needs to ask for your help because we want to be respectful of your property and privacy.  

Wilmington respectfully asks you to check for lead in your home as soon as reasonably possible.  To help you check for lead, we’ve created a webpage to walk you through your search. Just scan the QR code for more information.

If a lead service line is found, what happens next?

It is important to note that if you find lead in your home or business, or if the city finds a lead service line leading to a customer’s water meter, it does not mean anyone has been exposed to lead.  Wilmington uses an effective corrosion control program that greatly reduces the possibility that lead from service lines could end up in the drinking water.  

If the city finds a lead service line leading up to your water meter, you will be informed of the findings, provided with assistance on how you can reduce your chances of lead exposure, and receive additional water tests to make certain your water continues to be safe.

If you believe you have lead in your home or business, please follow the instructions on the customer survey to set an appointment with the City to review your survey results.