BANGOR WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory

Bangor Water District serves approximately 27,298 people in Maine. If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, this page explains what the utility has documented about lead service lines—the underground pipes that may carry water from the main line to your home.

What we know about lead service lines in your area

Bangor Water District has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. The utility draws water from a surface water source. Without a finished inventory, the exact number of homes with lead service lines remains unknown.

This doesn't mean your home is lead-free—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which service lines contain lead. Many homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines, though lead was also used in some newer construction.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are one of the most common sources of lead in drinking water. When water sits in lead pipes or passes through them, small amounts of lead can dissolve into the water. Children, pregnant people, and nursing mothers are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can affect development and learning.

If your home was built before 1986, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Even homes built in the 1980s and 1990s sometimes had lead service lines or lead-containing components.

Getting your water tested

You don't need to wait for a utility inventory to know your own risk. You can:

• Test your tap water for lead. Contact your local health department or Bangor Water District directly for guidance on sampling and low-cost testing options.
• Ask the utility whether your specific address has a known lead service line. If the utility has any records on your property, they should share them.
• Reduce exposure in the meantime by running cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, using cold water for baby formula, and flushing indoor plumbing if water has sat for hours.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Bangor Water District directly to ask about lead service lines on your property and whether testing is available.
• If you have young children, pregnant household members, or nursing mothers, discuss lead testing with your pediatrician or doctor.
• Check the utility's website or contact them to find out when a full lead service line inventory will be completed.
• Consider installing a certified lead-reducing filter while you gather more information.

```json [ { "q": "Does Bangor Water District have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead in drinking water typically comes from lead service lines (pipes connecting homes to the main water line) and indoor plumbing, not the water source itself. Bangor Water District is still identifying which service lines in the system contain lead. Testing your tap water is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Bangor Water District directly and provide your address; they may have records on file. You can also look at the water line where it enters your home—lead lines are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin. A plumber or your utility can also help identify the material." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Bangor?", "a": "Bangor Water District is required to treat and test water to meet federal safety standards. However, lead from service lines and home plumbing can enter water between the treatment plant and your tap. If you're concerned, test your tap water and take short-term precautions like flushing the line before drinking." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?", "a": "Contact your pediatrician or local health department for guidance on testing. In the meantime, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, run water for 30 seconds before use, and avoid using hot tap