Lead Service Lines at CNE - NEW LONDON TURNPIKE ENTRY POINT
What you should know
CNE - NEW LONDON TURNPIKE ENTRY POINT serves about 10,000 people in Rhode Island through groundwater sources. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to homes.
Current inventory status: This water system has not yet completed or publicly shared a lead service line inventory. This doesn't mean lead service lines aren't present; it means the system is still in the process of identifying them or has not made their findings public.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most significant source of lead in drinking water for most homes. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's learning and development. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead or galvanized steel (which can corrode and leach lead over time).
Federal law requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories and share them with customers by October 2024 (with some exceptions for systems completing replacements early).
What to do now
The best step is to contact CNE - NEW LONDON TURNPIKE ENTRY POINT directly and ask:
- Whether they have completed a lead service line inventory
- If your address has been assessed
- What the results were for your property
- Whether they offer free or reduced-cost testing or replacement programs
In the meantime, the CDC recommends that anyone concerned about lead in their water—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—use a filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) or flush your pipes before drinking or cooking.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water system to request your property's lead service line status
- Test your water through your health department or a certified lab if you want to know your current lead levels
- Use a certified filter (NSF 53) on your kitchen tap if you're waiting for inventory results or replacement
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have health concerns about lead exposure
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?
Your water utility's lead service line inventory is the most reliable source. You can also call your utility and ask about your property, or hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home. Lead is soft and gray; a magnet won't stick to it.
Is the water unsafe to drink right now?
Most water systems, including this one, treat water to reduce lead leaching. However, the safest approach is to use an NSF 53-certified filter on your drinking and cooking water, especially if you have children or pregnant household members.
What happens if my service line has lead?
The water system may offer replacement programs (sometimes free or subsidized). Replacement is the permanent solution. Until then, flushing pipes and using a certified filter reduce risk.
When will this water system finish its inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024. Contact the utility directly for their current timeline and status.