AUTHORITY OF THE BOROUGH OF CHARLEROI
Lead Service Line Inventory FAQ
Is there lead in my water from the Authority of the Borough of Charleroi?
Testing shows that lead is not present in the Authority’s source water or the drinking water leaving the water filtration plant.
How does lead get into the drinking water?
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. If your home was constructed before 1986, you may be at risk of lead contamination from both your plumbing fixtures and lead solder. (portion of definition from U.S. EPA)
Who is responsible for which portion of the service line?
Service lines in the Authority’s system are jointly owned. The Authority is responsible for the portion of the service line that starts at the water main in the street all the way to the property’s curb stop. The customer is responsible for the portion of the service line that extends from the curb stop, all the way into the home to the water meter.
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How do I know what type of material my service line is constructed of?
You can contact the Authority offices at (724) 483-3585. The Authority can give you the information that we have on file about your service line.
Why did customers receive a letter?
Customers having a property that the service line material is LEAD, GALVANIZED REQUIRING REPLACMENT (GRR), or UNKNOWN, will receive a letter notifying them of their respective service line material.
Why does my letter say that my service line material is UNKNOWN?
The Authority is combing through thousands of records to identify as much information about the service lines in the system as possible. Some records may not contain all of the information. Service lines that have either the SYSTEM side or the CUSTOMER side, but not both, are currently classified as UNKNOWN.
How can I help identify my portion of my service line?
You can assist us by completing a survey about your property and your service line. Please click here for the survey that will help us determine what type of material your service line might be constructed of.
If you would like one of our servicemen to inspect your service line for you, please call the Authority office and schedule an appointment.
What if I did not receive a notification letter?
Customers whose service lines have been identified as non-lead (copper, cast iron, plastic) do not need to be notified of their service line material classification.
How can the customer replace their portion of the service line?
If a customer wishes to replace their service line because it has been classified as lead or galvanized requiring replacement, they should contact a licensed plumber and coordinate all work with the Authority’s Distribution Department.
The Authority is required to replace the System-owned, NON-LEAD portion of the service line upon notification that the Customer-owned portion will be undergoing replacement.
What if I want my water tested for lead?
The Authority does not currently do lead testing for individual customers. If you have a lead service line and would like to be added to our 2025 Lead Sampling Plan, please contact the Authority at (724) 483-3585.
Still have additional questions?
Go the any of the websites below for additional information on Lead and Copper in Drinking Water:
United States EPA
https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
Pennsylvania DEP
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/My-Water/PublicDrinkingWater/Pages/Lead-in-Drinking-Water.aspx
CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/drinking-water.html