GROTON UTILITIES Lead Service Line Inventory

Overview

Groton Utilities serves about 30,200 people in Connecticut. Like all US water systems, it is required to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect water mains to homes and buildings. This page explains what we know about lead service lines in Groton's system and how to find out if yours is one of them.

What we know right now

Groton Utilities has not yet published a detailed lead service line inventory that is publicly available through this directory. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system. It means either the system is still compiling the data, has not made it public yet, or the information has not been shared with us.

Federal law requires all water systems to complete a full inventory of lead service lines by October 2024. Even if data is not yet posted online, your utility has this information or is actively gathering it.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe carrying water from the street main directly into your home. In older homes (built before the 1980s), these pipes were often made of lead. Water sitting in a lead pipe can dissolve small amounts of lead into your tap water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe has not been used for several hours.

Not all old homes have lead lines—some were installed with copper or galvanized steel. The only way to know is to check your system's inventory or have a plumber inspect your specific line.

How to find your home's status

Contact Groton Utilities directly. Call their main line or visit their website and ask:

• Does my address have a lead service line?
• When will the full inventory be public?
• What water quality tests or treatment are in place?

They are required to answer these questions. Write down the date you ask and who you spoke with; this creates a record.

What you can do now

Even without knowing your line's material, you can reduce potential exposure:

• Flush the line. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially after the water has sat unused for several hours.
• Use cold water for cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster.
• Consider a pitcher or faucet filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53).

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing and next steps.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Groton Utilities and ask if your address is on a lead service line.
• Request a copy of their lead service line inventory when it becomes public.
• Ask about any water quality testing or corrosion control measures.
• If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager—they are often responsible for the service line.

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```json [ { "q": "Does Groton Utilities have lead in the water?", "a": "Groton Utilities has not yet published a publicly available lead service line inventory. However, all water systems in the US are required to complete a full inventory by October 2024. Lead in tap water typically comes from lead service lines or indoor plumbing, not the water source itself. Contact the utility to ask about their inventory and water testing." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call Groton Utilities and provide your address. They are required by law to tell you whether your service line is lead, or if they do not yet know, when that information will be available. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?", "a": "Lead can leach into water from old pipes, especially if water sits unused for hours or is heated. Flushing the cold-water line before use