Lead Service Lines in PAW NESBITT Water System

PAW NESBITT serves about 52,640 people in Pennsylvania. Like many older water systems across the US, this utility may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line in the street to your home.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the public water main into your house. These lines were commonly installed before the 1980s because lead is easy to work with and was thought to be safe. We now know lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or corrosion issues.

Does PAW NESBITT have lead service lines?

The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the exact number of homes with lead pipes is currently unknown. An inventory is the first step utilities must take to identify where lead lines exist and plan replacements.

Pennsylvania requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories and submit them to the state. If PAW NESBITT has not yet published its inventory, contact the utility directly to ask about the status and timeline.

What should you do?

Even without a complete utility inventory, you can take steps to protect your household:

• Get your water tested. A simple test will tell you if lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact PAW NESBITT for a free or low-cost testing kit.
• Ask about your service line. Call the utility with your address and ask if your home has a lead service line. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't finished.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster. If your water hasn't run for a few hours, flush the tap for 30 seconds before filling a glass.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your water. The CDC has guidance on lead and health.

Next steps for residents

• Contact PAW NESBITT directly at the utility office to request a water test and ask the status of the lead service line inventory.
• Visit the EPA's water lead page for testing kits and flushing guidance specific to your situation.
• Review your home's age and plumbing. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines.
• Ask about replacement programs. Pennsylvania offers some funding for lead line replacement; your utility can explain what's available.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Contact PAW NESBITT with your address—they may have records of your line material. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home (it will be dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a key). Getting your water tested is the most direct way to know if lead is reaching your tap." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink water from PAW NESBITT?", "a": "Lead enters water through old pipes, not from the treatment plant. The only way to know if lead is in your specific tap water is to test it. Request a free test kit from the utility, or have an accredited lab test a sample from your home." }, { "q": "Will PAW NESBITT replace my lead service line?", "a": "That depends on the utility's replacement program and your state's funding. Pennsylvania has some programs to help; contact PAW NESBITT to ask if you qualify and what the cost or timeline might be for your home." }, { "q": "What should I do right now while I wait for replacement?", "a": "Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and flush the line for 30 seconds if water has been sitting for several hours. These steps reduce the amount of lead that can dissolve into your water. Also request a water