MANCHESTER WATER WORKS Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
Manchester Water Works serves about 123,500 people in New Hampshire. The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
A lead service line is a water pipe made of lead that runs from the city's water main under the street to your home's foundation. Water sitting in these pipes overnight or over hours can pick up lead, especially in homes built before 1986 when lead pipes were common.
Current Inventory Status
As of now, Manchester Water Works has not reported completing a detailed count of how many lead service lines exist in its service area. This is common for larger utilities; creating a complete inventory takes time and resources.
Why this matters to you: If your home was built before 1986 and you haven't replaced your service line, there's a reasonable chance it contains lead. The utility's lack of a finished inventory doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist—it means the work to document it is still underway.
What the Utility Should Provide
By federal law, water utilities must develop and share lead service line inventories. Manchester Water Works should be able to tell you:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- What materials make up your service line (if known)
- Any plans or funding for replacement
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Manchester Water Works directly to ask about your service line status. Have your address ready. Ask specifically: "Do you have a record of my service line material?"
- Request a water test through your utility if you're concerned. This is often free or low-cost and tells you whether lead is actually present in your tap water.
- Consider a point-of-use filter (pitcher or faucet filter) rated for lead while you wait for answers. Look for NSF certification.
- Limit children's exposure while you investigate. If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends using filtered or bottled water for drinking and cooking until you confirm your line status.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact Manchester Water Works with your address and ask for your service line material. They may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft and silver-gray, and a magnet won't stick to it.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead is a serious health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. A water test will tell you whether lead is actually present in your tap water. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for health questions.
What should I do if I think my service line has lead?
First, get your water tested through your utility or a certified lab. If lead is found, the permanent fix is replacing the service line—contact a licensed plumber for estimates. Temporary steps include using a lead-reducing filter and flushing pipes before drinking.
Is Manchester Water Works replacing lead service lines?
Contact the utility directly to ask about replacement programs, funding, or timelines. Many utilities are developing replacement plans with federal or state grants.