Lead Service Lines in Colchester Fire District 2

Colchester Fire District 2 serves about 8,300 people in Vermont. If you live in this service area and want to know whether lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the public water main—are a concern, here's what we know right now.

What we found

The water system has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines. This means we don't have a count of how many homes are served by lead pipes, or whether any are confirmed to be present.

This is not unusual. Many smaller water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their service lines. Federal rules require all systems to complete inventories by 2024, so Colchester Fire District 2 may be working on this now.

What you should do

Since no inventory data is publicly available yet, you won't be able to check a list to see if your address has a lead service line. However, you can take practical steps right now:

Contact your water system directly. Call Colchester Fire District 2 and ask:

• Do they have any preliminary information about lead service lines in your area?
• When will their lead service line inventory be complete?
• Can they tell you whether your specific property is known or suspected to have a lead service line?

Have your water tested. Even if your service line isn't lead, lead can leach from older fixtures, solder, or brass fittings inside your home. A simple test tells you if lead is present in your tap water. Contact your health department or water utility for testing information.

Use water safety practices now. While you wait for inventory information:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds to several minutes before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes overnight
• Use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead more easily)
• Clean aerators on faucets monthly

Lead exposure is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. The CDC has guidance on reducing exposure at home.

Next steps for residents

• Call Colchester Fire District 2 to ask about their lead service line inventory timeline and whether your address is documented
• Have your tap water tested for lead through your local health department
• If lead is detected or your service line is confirmed to be lead, ask the utility about replacement programs or financial assistance

Does Colchester Fire District 2 have lead in the water?

The water system hasn't completed a full inventory of lead service lines yet, so we don't know how many homes have lead pipes. Contact the utility directly to ask about their findings and your address.

How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?

Call Colchester Fire District 2 and ask if they have information about your property's service line. You can also have your tap water tested—even non-lead pipes can leach lead from fixtures or solder inside your home.

Is lead in water dangerous?

Yes, lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant people. For health guidance, talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website.

What should I do right now about lead in my water?

Run your cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if it's been sitting, use cold water only for drinking and cooking, and consider having your water tested. These steps reduce exposure while you wait for inventory results.