KEENE WATER DEPT Lead Service Line Inventory

Keene Water Dept serves approximately 30,000 people in New Hampshire. Lead service lines are pipes that connect public water mains to homes—and lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or soft water.

What we know about Keene's lead service lines

Keene Water Dept has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility does not yet have a documented count of how many homes may be affected or where those lines are located. The utility draws water from surface sources.

This is not unusual. The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requires all water systems to identify lead service lines by specific deadlines, with compliance dates spread through 2024 and beyond depending on system size and other factors. Keene is working to meet these requirements.

Why this matters for your home

If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your connection to the water main contains lead. Even homes built into the 1990s can have lead solder in plumbing fixtures. Lead is odorless and invisible—you cannot taste or see it.

The EPA considers any detectable lead in drinking water a health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people. Long-term exposure can affect development and learning.

What you can do now

Get your water tested. Contact Keene Water Dept and ask if they offer free or low-cost testing, or order an affordable kit online through your state health department. Testing tells you whether lead is present in your specific home.

Use filters wisely. If lead is detected, a certified pitcher or faucet filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified) can reduce it. Boiling water does not remove lead.

Check your home's age and plumbing. If your house predates 1980, assume your service line may contain lead until you have evidence otherwise. Ask a plumber about the visible pipes in your basement or crawlspace—they can sometimes identify lead visually.

Stay informed. Keene Water Dept is required to provide updates on its lead service line inventory. Contact them directly to ask for their timeline and current progress.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Keene Water Dept to request a free water test or ask about lead testing resources
• If your home was built before 1990, request a plumber's assessment of your service line material
• Consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead safety guide if you have children under 6 in the home
• Check back with the utility periodically for updates on the lead service line inventory

```json [ { "q": "Can I tell if my water has lead just by looking at it?", "a": "No. Lead is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only way to know if lead is in your drinking water is to have it tested by a certified lab. Contact Keene Water Dept to learn about free or low-cost testing options in your area." }, { "q": "Does boiling water remove lead?", "a": "No. Boiling actually concentrates lead because water evaporates but lead does not. If lead is present, use a certified water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified) or drink bottled water until the problem is addressed." }, { "q": "How do I know if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Keene Water Dept with your address—they may have records. You can also have a plumber inspect the visible portion of your water line in the basement or crawlspace. Lead is soft and gray and will show a dull shine when scraped." }, { "q": "Is the water unsafe to drink right now?", "a": "That depends on your home. Some homes have lead, others do not. The only way to know is testing. If you