Lead Service Lines at MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO

MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO serves 18,487 people in Washington state. Here's what you need to know about lead service lines in your area.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. When lead pipes corrode, lead can leach into your drinking water.

What does MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO know about lead service lines?

As of now, MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO has not published a public inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the utility either hasn't completed the survey yet or hasn't made the results available online.

The EPA requires all water utilities to identify lead service lines and create a plan to replace them. MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO is likely working on this requirement, but you won't know your own home's status without asking directly.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Contact your water utility. Call or email MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO and ask:

• Do you have a lead service line inventory?
• Is my address on that list?
• If not on a list, can you tell me what material my service line is made of?

Many utilities have this information even if it's not yet online. Some can tell you based on your address and construction records.

Check your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines, but it's not guaranteed.

Look at your pipes. If you have an exposed service line in your basement or crawlspace, you can identify it: lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. However, the line may be buried.

Reduce exposure while you investigate

• Run cold water first. Let tap water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, especially first thing in the morning. This flushes stagnant water from the pipes.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches more lead from pipes.
• Consider a filter. NSF-certified pitchers or faucet filters rated for lead can help reduce it in your drinking water.

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing. For health questions, contact the CDC or your local health department.

Next steps for residents

• Contact MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO directly and ask about their lead service line inventory and your home's status.
• Find your water utility's contact info on their bill or website.
• Document your home's age and construction details to help the utility trace your service line material.
• Ask about replacement programs. Many utilities now offer grants or low-interest loans to help cover replacement costs.

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```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility and ask directly—they have records. You can also look for an exposed service line in your basement (lead is soft, dull gray, and scratches easily), but it may be buried. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk." }, { "q": "Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead pipe?", "a": "Lead in drinking water can be a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing. In the meantime, let water run cold for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and drinking." }, { "q": "Does my water utility have to replace lead service lines?", "a": "Yes. The EPA requires all water utilities to identify lead service lines and create a replacement plan. Contact MODERN ELECTRIC WATER CO to ask about their timeline and whether they offer