EXETER WATER DEPT Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Exeter Water Dept serves approximately 12,236 people in New Hampshire. The system draws water from surface sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
Exeter Water Dept has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. The utility has not reported the number of lead service lines in its system, and no inventory data is currently available on this site.
This does not mean your water is unsafe or that lead lines don't exist in Exeter—it means the utility has not yet finished the inventory work required by the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of this process.
What You Should Know
Lead service lines are a real risk. Lead pipes and fittings can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where water sits in pipes overnight. Children and pregnant women are at highest risk from lead exposure.
An inventory is the first step. Federal rules now require water systems to identify which homes have lead service lines, create a replacement plan, and prioritize removal. Exeter's next moves will likely include:
- Surveying records to identify where lead lines exist
- Testing water in homes that may have lead lines
- Developing a timeline and funding plan for replacements
You can act now, even without a full inventory. If your home was built before 1986, or if you don't know your service line material, you can:
- Contact Exeter Water Dept to ask about your specific address
- Have your water tested for lead (a simple test takes a few days)
- Use a lead-reducing filter (NSF-certified for lead) as a temporary measure while waiting for line replacement
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Exeter Water Dept to ask whether your address has a known lead service line and request a water test if you're concerned
- Check your home's age and condition. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines; visible piping in a basement can sometimes reveal the material
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN about lead testing—the CDC recommends it for at-risk groups
- Visit the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule page for homeowner guidance on testing, filters, and flushing
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Exeter Water Dept have lead in the water?
Lead levels depend on your home's pipes, not just the main water lines. Exeter Water Dept has not yet published a lead service line inventory. Contact the utility to ask about your address, and consider a water test if your home was built before 1986.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Exeter Water Dept should have records. Call them and give your address. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, silver-gray, and can be scratched with a coin. A plumber can also identify the material.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Exeter?
Exeter's treated water meets federal safety standards. However, lead from old pipes in homes can enter water after treatment. A water test is the only way to know your home's lead level. If it's above 15 ppb, use a filter or drink bottled water until your line is replaced.
When will Exeter Water Dept replace lead service lines?
That depends on the utility's inventory and funding. Federal law now requires systems to create replacement plans. Contact Exeter Water Dept to ask about timelines for your area and whether you qualify for assistance programs.