OLD LYME SHOPPING CENTER Lead Service Line Inventory
What this water system knows about lead pipes
OLD LYME SHOPPING CENTER serves approximately 100 people and has inventoried 10 service lines so far. Here's what they've found:
- 1 lead service line (confirmed)
- 2 non-lead service lines
- 7 service lines of unknown material
Service lines are the pipes that run from the water main under the street to your building. If yours is lead, water sitting in it overnight or over several hours can pick up lead, especially if the water is slightly acidic or soft.
The system draws water from a groundwater source.
What you should do
The gap here is real: 7 out of 10 lines have unknown material. That's 70% of this system's inventory that still needs identification. If your building is connected to one of those pipes, you won't know your risk status until the utility tests or replaces it.
Contact OLD LYME SHOPPING CENTER directly to ask:
- Whether your building's service line has been tested yet
- What the material is (if known)
- When they plan to identify the remaining unknown lines
If you're told your line is lead or unknown, the CDC recommends running your tap water cold for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and flushing water used for baby formula or young children's drinking water. These steps reduce (but don't eliminate) lead exposure.
Lead exposure is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. If you're worried about your family's exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact your local health department.
Why this matters
A lead service line is the single largest source of lead in drinking water for most homes. Even a line in fair condition can leach lead into your water. The only permanent fix is replacement—which is expensive, but some utilities now have funding to do it for free or at low cost.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email OLD LYME SHOPPING CENTER and ask what material your service line is made of
- If it's lead or unknown, use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula
- Ask about replacement programs — federal and state money is now available in many places
- Have your water tested (some utilities offer free lead testing; you can also buy a kit)
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 10 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my water has lead in it?
The only way to know for sure is to have your water tested. Contact your water utility to ask if they offer free testing, or you can buy a home test kit. Lead pipes are the most common source, but corrosion and fixtures can also contribute lead to your water.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes. Lead is a toxin that builds up in the body over time. Children and pregnant people are at highest risk. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or call your local health department.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Run your tap water cold for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and flush water for baby formula. The permanent solution is replacement. Contact your utility to ask about replacement programs—many now offer free or reduced-cost replacement.
Why doesn't my water utility have a replacement plan yet?
Identifying and replacing all lead service lines is a massive undertaking that costs utilities millions of dollars. Many systems are still in the inventory stage. Ask your utility when they expect to start replacements and whether any federal funding (like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) applies to your area.