The Bristol County Water Authority is asking its customers of Barrington, Bristol and Warren to provide information about lead service lines still active in each of the towns.

The BCWA is conducting a survey in an effort to complete its lead service line inventory in accordance with state and federal regulations. The regulations require all public water systems to account for the water service lines and identify their material composition on both sides, those on public and private property.

Recently, the BCWA sent out approximately 2,400 postcards to those customers where the service line material on the private side is unknown. The survey card instructs the customer on how to identify their water service line and requests the customer to complete a brief survey through the QR code link, or via the BCWA website. The link also contains an instructional video on how to identify a lead service line.

Before beginning the survey, customers will need to determine the material used in your water service line. To do this, you will need to locate and gain access to the water service line in your home.
take photos of your water meter, the water service line, and any other evidence that may show the material used in the water service line.

It’s important to note that when taking photos, you should be sure that the photos clearly show where the water service line enters your home.

Next, to determine the material used in your water service line, you will need a screwdriver or key and a strong magnet.

Once you have identified the location of your water service line, gently scratch your pipe with a screwdriver or key. Then, check to see if a strong magnet sticks to your pipe.

• If your pipe is penny colored, easy to scratch, and the magnet does not stick, then your service line is most likely copper.
• If your pipe is blue, white, or black in color, is easy to scratch, and the magnet does not stick, then your service line is most likely plastic.
• If your pipe looks like a strong metal, is hard to scratch, the scratch mark has the same color as the pipe, and the magnet sticks, then your service line is most likely galvanized.
• If your pipe feels soft, is easy to scratch, the scratch mark has a silver color, and the magnet does not stick, then your service line is most likely lead.

The BCWA appreciates and thanks those customers who have already completed the survey. Service lines that are not specifically identified by their material make-up are presumed to be lead under the state and federal regulations.

For additional information regarding this project, please visit the BCWA website at
www.bcwari.com/waterquality/lead.