Important information about Lead in drinking water and Columbia Water Company’s effort to remove Lead service lines
Overview
Columbia Water Company is replacing Company-owned and Customer-owned lead service lines at NO COST to the customer. The information below provides details about Columbia Water Company’s Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program.
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If the customer-owned portion of your service line is made of lead, we would like to work with you to replace it at no direct cost to you. Read more about how the program works in the information provided below.
Please note, if your service line contains lead, it does not mean you cannot use water as you normally do. Your water continues to meet water quality standards. We treat water to prevent corrosion of service lines and household plumbing, and our ongoing lead and copper compliance testing continues to meet State and Federal water quality regulations, including those set for lead.
Click here to self-report your service line material without using the map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Water Service Line?
A water service line is a pipe that connects a customer’s house or building to the water main in the street. Typically, the service line is less than 2-inches in diameter and is made of various material. The most common material in use is copper, however, other materials have been used including, but not limited to, steel, iron, plastic, lead, and others.
What is my Service Line Material?
Columbia Water Company provides an interactive map allowing customers to view what their service line material is made of. Click here to view the map. If the customer-owned portion of the service line is “unknown”, you can take the following steps to determine what your service line material is.
WHAT TO DO:
- Locate the service line pipe as it enters your home.
- If the pipe is a dull, silver-gray color, carefully scratch the pipe (like you would a lottery ticket) with a key or coin. Take care not to make a hole in the pipe. If the scratch turns a shiny silver color, it could be lead or steel.
- Place a magnet on the pipe. If a magnet sticks, it is a steel pipe.
OTHER WAYS TO CHECK FOR LEAD:
- A licensed and insured plumber can inspect your pipes and plumbing.
- Lead test kits can be purchased at local hardware or home improvement stores. These kits are used to test paint, but can also be used to test pipe – not the water inside. Look for an EPA recognized kit.
ONCE YOU HAVE DETERMINED YOUR SERVICE LINE MATERIAL, LET US KNOW:
Click the link here to fill out the Customer-owned Service Line survey. Remember, if your service line is made of lead, we will replace it at NO COST to you.
What are Sources of Lead?
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is also a possible source of lead exposure. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free” may contribute lead to drinking water. Until 2014, the law allowed end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets with up to 8 percent lead to be labeled as “lead-free”.
When water is in contact with pipes, and plumbing containing lead for several hours, the lead may enter drinking water. Homes built before 1988 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder. EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.
Don’t forget about other sources of lead such as lead paint, lead dust, and lead in soil. Wash your children’s hands and toys often as they can come into contact with dirt and dust containing lead.
As it relates to your drinking water, there is no lead in our source water. Any lead in your drinking water would come from its contact with your service line. The service line is the pipe that connects your household plumbing to the water main in the street. Columbia Water Company is replacing service lines that contain lead or galvanized iron/steel if the service line was or is currently downstream of lead. The procedure for a routine replacement can be found here.
What Steps can I take to Reduce Exposure to Lead?
- Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 30-60 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking if it hasn’t been used for several hours.
- Using cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula – Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Look for alternative sources of treatment. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF international at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
- Test your water for lead. Call us at (717) 684-2188 extension 2 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.
- Get your child’s blood tested. Contact your local health department or health care provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead, if you are concerned about exposure.
- Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. New brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free” may contribute lead to drinking water. Until 2014, the law allowed end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as “leadfree”.
If I Previously Replaced My Lead Service Line, can I be Reimbursed?
If you have had your lead service line replaced since 2024, you may be eligible for reimbursement. To determine if you are eligible for reimbursement for a lead service line replacement, contact Columbia Water Company at (717) 684-2188 extension 0. Click here for instructions and a detailed checklist of documentation required for eligible customers.
What are Columbia Water Company’s Efforts to Reduce Lead?
Columbia Water Company has been replacing company-owned lead service lines since the 1950’s. Now, Columbia Water Company is replacing lead service lines, whether they are company-owned or customer-owned at no cost to the customer.
What are Upcoming Lead Service Line Replacement Projects?
Lead service line replacement projects are scheduled in advance. These projects are usually larger scale and involve replacing multiple lead service lines in one area. The upcoming Lead Service Line Replacement Projects for 2025 are:
- 900 Block of Walnut Street, Columbia
If you live in a project area, a Columbia Water Company employee will be in contact with you. If you are unsure if you live in a project area, contact the Columbia Water Company at (717) 684-2188 extension 0 for assistance.
What Should I do After a Lead Service Line Replacement at my Property?
After your lead service line has been replaced, it is important to flush all the pipes in your house. Flushing will remove any lead that may have entered the pipes in your house during construction. Click here for detailed instructions related to flushing the interior piping of your home.
In addition to flushing the lines, you are being provided with an NSF approved pitcher filter by Columbia Water Company that is certified to remove lead and six months of replacement cartridges. This filter may be used for water that will be used for drinking and cooking.
For more information about what to do after a lead service line replacement, click here.
Are there any Community Outreach programs?
Any community outreach programs or coordination efforts will be posted here on the website.
As always, if there is a question, concern, or comment, please contact Columbia Water Company at (717) 684-2188 extension 0 or stop by our business office at 220 Locust St., Columbia PA.
Additional Information
If you have any lead related questions about your water, call us at (717) 684-2188 extension 0. Our staff will provide information on water testing, safety tips, and replacement options.
Customer-Owned Service Line Form
Click below to fill out the Customer-Owned Service Line Survey. Filling out this form will allow the Columbia Water Company to reach out to you about your possible lead line.