Lead Service Lines in FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER
What you need to know
FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER serves about 4,400 people in Pennsylvania. Like many older water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to your home.
A lead service line is a potential source of lead in your drinking water. The good news: lead is preventable through simple steps, and most homes don't have them. But if yours does, it's worth knowing.
Current inventory status
FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This means the utility hasn't publicly documented how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes serve the system. This is common for smaller systems, especially those built before lead pipes were banned in 1988.
The EPA requires all water systems to complete a full inventory by October 2024 (extended from 2021 in some cases). Check your utility's website or contact them directly to ask about their timeline and any preliminary findings.
What to do about your home
You don't have to wait for an official inventory to take action:
- Ask your water utility if they know whether your service line is lead, galvanized (which can contain lead solder), or copper. They may have installation records.
- Check your property paperwork. Deeds, permits, or home inspection reports sometimes note pipe material.
- Get a water test. A certified lab can measure lead in your tap water. Your utility can usually recommend testing resources. Cost is often low or free.
- Install a point-of-use filter if lead is a concern. NSF-certified filters can reduce lead, but don't replace the need to fix or replace pipes.
Health and next steps
Lead exposure—especially for young children—can affect brain development and learning. If you're concerned about lead levels in your home, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's hotline for guidance specific to your family.
Next steps for residents
- Contact FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER directly to ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline
- Request a water quality test through your utility or a private certified lab
- If your home was built before 1988, assume your service line could contain lead and take precautions (flush pipes before drinking, use cold water for cooking)
- Visit the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule page for federal requirements and resources
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER have lead in the water?
The utility has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory, so there's no public list of which pipes contain lead. Contact the utility directly to ask about their findings so far and when results will be available.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Ask your water utility—they may have installation records. Check old deeds or home inspection reports. A magnet test on your pipe (if visible in the basement) can help too: lead is not magnetic, but the pipe itself won't be rust-free like copper.
Is it safe to drink tap water from FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER?
Most homes served by the system likely have safe water. To know your home's risk, get a water test through the utility or a certified lab. If you're concerned about young children, talk to your pediatrician or the CDC.
When will the lead service line inventory be finished?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024, but timelines can vary. Call your water utility directly to ask about their inventory status and expected completion date.