BREWER WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Brewer Water Department serves approximately 8,860 people in Maine. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
What we know about Brewer's lead service lines
Brewer Water Department has not yet made a detailed lead service line inventory publicly available. This means we don't have specific counts of lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes in the system.
The utility draws water from a surface water source, which typically requires less corrosion control than groundwater systems. However, the age and material of service lines—not just the water source—determines actual lead risk in your home.
Why this matters for your home
If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Even if you don't see lead pipes, galvanized steel pipes (common in mid-20th-century construction) can also corrode and leach lead over time.
The only way to know for certain what's in your service line is to either:
- Ask your water utility directly
- Have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home
- Get a water test from a certified lab
Getting answers from your utility
Contact Brewer Water Department directly to ask:
- Does your utility have a lead service line inventory available?
- What year was your home connected to the water system?
- What material is your service line made of?
Most utilities can look up this information by address. If they don't have it recorded, they may send someone to inspect your connection.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit your utility's website to request information about your specific service line.
- Get your water tested by a certified lab if you're concerned about lead; results are usually available within a week.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks specific to your situation.
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while you gather information about your service line.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Brewer Water Department have lead in the water?
Brewer's water source is surface water, which typically requires less treatment for corrosion than groundwater. However, lead in your home's water depends mainly on your service line material and age. The utility hasn't published a detailed inventory yet, so contact them directly with your address.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Ask your utility for records of your service line, or have a plumber inspect where the pipe enters your home. Lead pipes are dull gray and can be scratched to reveal shiny metal underneath. Galvanized steel pipes (silver, threaded) can also release lead as they corrode.
Is the water in Brewer, Maine safe to drink?
Brewer Water Department is required to test for contaminants and maintain safe drinking water standards. However, if you have a lead service line, water can pick up lead inside your home's plumbing. A water test from a certified lab will tell you if lead is present in your tap water.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Get your water tested by a certified lab, contact your utility about your service line material, and consider a point-of-use filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or pediatrician about your specific risk.