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What is a water service line?
Water service lines are small pipes that carry water from the Vineland Water Utility’s water mains, located in the streets, into individual homes and other buildings.
Who is responsible for the water service line on my property?
The Vineland Water Utility owns the service line from the water main in the street to the curb stop at the property line. The property owner is responsible for the service line from there to the meter inside the home, regardless of where the meter pit is. Any portion of the service line which is found to be lead or galvanized steel is eligible for replacement under this program.
What type of materials can service lines be made of?
Service lines can be made of lead, galvanized steel, plastic, brass, copper, cast iron or ductile iron. Homes built before 1988 may have lead pipes that connect the home to the utility’s water main. Homes built after 1988 should not have a lead service line.
What other sources of lead are there in my home?
Other sources of lead include plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, fittings, etc.), indoor copper plumbing pipes with lead solder, and lead paint. Lead paint in homes is typically the greatest contributor to lead exposure for young children. Lead solder was commonly used to join copper pipes until around 1986 when it was banned.
As lead solder is in direct contact with copper pipe, lead could be released into the drinking water. Lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978. Homes built before this time may have lead-based paint and dust contaminated with lead-based paint.
Does the City of Vineland have lead service lines?
No. The City of Vineland does not have lead service lines in our drinking water system. However, New Jersey legislation A5343/S3459, signed into law in July 2021, expanded the definition of a lead service line to include certain galvanized steel service lines.
Why is lead a public health risk?
Prolonged lead exposure can lead to health problems. According to the US EPA, there is no safe level of lead that can be consumed or ingested.
How does lead get into the drinking water?
When water leaves Vineland Water Utility’s water treatment plants, it does not contain lead; it is safe to drink and complies with Federal and State standards.
As water travels through galvanized service lines inside your building, the corrosion of the pipe can possibly add lead to the treated water delivered to customers. When water sits in the service line or your building's plumbing without being used for several hours, such as overnight, the lead may dissolve into the water.
If I have a lead or galvanized steel service line, or if my home's plumbing has lead solder, how can I protect myself right now?
If you think you have a galvanized steel service line or lead solder (a metal alloy made from lead and tin used to join pipes together), you can take steps to decrease your lead exposure, including:
If my service line is galvanized steel, can I buy a water filter that removes lead?
Yes! You can buy a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 53-certified water filtration system, which can be installed at the faucet, or a filter pitcher to remove lead. A water filter installed at the faucet will remove lead that may have entered the water from the service line, indoor plumbing, and plumbing fixtures. Visit this website for more information about NSF filters and a list of certified filters.
Can I shower in lead-contaminated water?
Yes. Human skin does not absorb lead in water. Bathing and showering should be safe for you and your children, even if the water contains lead over EPA’s action level.
What should I do if I suspect lead poisoning?
If you are concerned about lead poisoning, visit: the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline. Fill out the online form (U.S. EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water) or call 1-800-424-LEAD (1-800-424-5323).
Where can I get more information about lead in drinking water?
There are many official resources to further explore the health effects of lead and to learn about efforts to remove sources of lead from the drinking water.
Lead Water Service Line Information
Lead Service Line Programs Overview (American Water Works Association)
Lead Service Line Replacement Facts (Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative)
Lead Exposure Reduction (New Jersey Department of Health)
Health Information on Lead in Water
Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water (U.S. EPA)
Lead Poisoning Prevention Information (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
What should I do if I am concerned about lead in my drinking water?
The treated water supplied by the Vineland Water Utility through its treatment plant and water distribution system is free of lead. The City of Vineland Water Utility has consistently maintained the highest standards for drinking water quality, and testing has never exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule action levels for lead or copper. Annual Water Quality Reports are available on the Municipal Utilities website.The treated water from Vineland Water Utility treatment plant and street water mains is otherwise free of lead. The City of Vineland Water Utility has always maintained the highest standards for drinking water. Our test results have never been above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lead or copper action levels per the Lead and Copper Rule.
If you want to periodically check your drinking water as well, there are two ways to test your water for lead:
1. Send a water sample to a laboratory: A state approved laboratory can test drinking water from your tap to learn if lead levels are too high. For a list of state-approved drinking water laboratories, visit https://tinyurl.com/NJDW-Labs.
2. Purchase a home test kit for testing your water. Use an EPA-approved lead test kit
If you are concerned about lead poisoning, visit: the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline. Fill out the online form (U.S. EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water) or call 1-800-424-LEAD (1-800-424-5323).
