BOOTHBAY REGION WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water meter to the public water main buried under the street. If your service line is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels from the main into your home. Lead service lines were common in older neighborhoods and weren't banned in the US until 1986.

What does Boothbay Region Water District know about lead pipes?

Boothbay Region Water District serves approximately 8,448 people in Maine. The district has not yet completed a full inventory of which service lines contain lead. Without this inventory, neither the utility nor homeowners can easily identify which properties are at risk.

An inventory is the first step. Once the utility knows where lead service lines exist, they can plan replacements and communicate with affected customers.

Why does this matter?

Lead in drinking water has no safe level, especially for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts can affect child development. The EPA requires all water utilities to identify and eventually replace lead service lines, but the timeline varies by state and funding availability.

Boothbay Region Water District draws water from surface sources, which is generally lower-risk than groundwater systems for certain contaminants—but lead service lines remain a concern regardless of source type.

What can you do right now?

While waiting for your utility to complete its inventory, you can:

• Ask your water utility directly whether your property has a lead service line. They may have partial records, even if a full inventory isn't public yet.
• Get your water tested by a certified lab. Testing is low-cost and tells you if lead is actually present in your tap water right now.
• Use temporary measures: Run water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water leaches more lead from pipes), and consider a certified pitcher filter if you want extra assurance.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Boothbay Region Water District directly to ask if they have any records about lead service lines on your street or property.
• Request a free or low-cost water test through your local health department or a certified private lab.
• If you have young children or a pregnant household member, talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN about lead exposure—they can assess individual risk and recommend testing.
• Stay informed: check back with your utility annually for updates on their lead inventory and replacement plan.

```json [ { "q": "Does Boothbay Region Water District have lead in the water?", "a": "The utility hasn't completed a full inventory of lead service lines yet, so the extent of the problem isn't publicly known. The only way to know if lead is in your home's water is to test it. Contact the utility or your local health department about getting your water tested." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call Boothbay Region Water District and ask—they may have records for your address. You can also dig up the pipe where it enters your home and look at it; lead is soft, gray, and dull. A plumber can also identify it for you." }, { "q": "Is lead service line replacement expensive?", "a": "Replacement costs vary, but federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds are now available to help utilities cover the cost. Ask your utility whether they offer any assistance programs or cost-sharing for residents who need replacements." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my tap water right now?", "a": "Get your water tested—it's the fastest way to know. In the meantime, run your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider a pitcher filter if you want immediate reassurance. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician." } ]