ROCHESTER WATER DEPT Lead Service Line Inventory

Rochester Water Dept serves approximately 25,000 people in New Hampshire. This page explains what we know about lead service lines in this system and how to find out if yours might be affected.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main under the street to your home. If your house was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your line contains lead. Lead is a neurotoxin—even small amounts matter, especially for young children and pregnant people. The only way to know if you have a lead service line is to test it or check your water system's inventory.

What does Rochester Water Dept know?

Currently, Rochester Water Dept has not completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes have them.

Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to locate and inventory lead service lines. Many utilities are working through this now, often in phases. You can contact the utility directly to ask:

• Whether your address has been surveyed yet
• What your line material is, if it's been checked
• When a full inventory is expected

How to find out about your home

Contact Rochester Water Dept directly. Call, email, or visit their office with your service address. Ask for:

1. Whether your service line has been inspected 2. What material it is (lead, copper, galvanized steel, plastic, etc.) 3. When the system expects to complete its full inventory

You can also have a licensed plumber inspect your line, though this involves some excavation at your property line.

If you do have a lead service line

The EPA recommends flushing your line before drinking or cooking water (run the cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes first thing each morning or after several hours of no use). You can also use a water filter certified for lead. For questions about health risks, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

Replacing the line is the permanent solution, but it's expensive. Some utilities offer rebates or financing; ask Rochester Water Dept if they do.

Next steps for residents

• Contact the utility: Call or visit Rochester Water Dept's office with your address to ask about your service line material and the timeline for full inventory completion.
• Get your water tested: The utility can advise on free or low-cost lead testing.
• Ask about replacement programs: Find out if the utility offers rebates, grants, or low-interest loans for lead line replacement.

```json [ { "q": "Does Rochester have lead in the water?", "a": "Rochester Water Dept is still inventorying lead service lines. Contact the utility directly with your address to learn if your home's line contains lead. Lead in tap water typically comes from the pipe connecting your home to the main, not the water source itself." }, { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Ask Rochester Water Dept directly—call or visit with your service address. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. A magnet test is not reliable." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink the water?", "a": "The best approach is to check your service line material first. If you're concerned, run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, or use a filter certified for lead. For health questions, contact your pediatrician or the CDC." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Replacement typically costs $3,000–$8,000 depending on depth and distance. Ask Rochester Water Dept if they offer rebates, grants, or financing programs to help offset the cost." }