Partial Lead Service Replacement Advisory Following Lead Service Line Replacement Work

Sometime over the next few months Warwick Water Division will be replacing the street portion of your lead water service line. In some cases, the private property portion of the service line from the street to the building may also be replaced. If however, following construction, the private portion of the service line is still a lead pipe:

• You may experience a TEMPORARY increase in lead levels in your water from particles dislodged during the lead service line replacement.
• Before using water for any purpose following construction you must IMMEDIATELY flush your plumbing for 15 minutes.
• If you have a working outside faucet, Warwick Water Division's contractor will flush from this outlet immediately following construction. Nevertheless, flushing your internal plumbing is still necessary.
• Flush using only cold water by opening one or more faucets in the lowest part of the house, preferably your basement, if available.
• Do not open a hot water faucet until the system is flushed or you may introduce sediment into your hot water heater.
• Each day for one week immediately following construction, remove and clean the strainer/aerator screens on any faucet used as a source of water for drinking or cooking. This ensures that any stray lead particles that become trapped are discarded.

AFTER CONSTRUCTION

Complete flushing and cleaning as mentioned above for the first seven days.  In the weeks following construction, follow the routine procedures below.

CONSUMERS CAN ENHANCE THE TASTE AND OVERALL QUALITY OF TAP WATER

If water has been stagnant in the line for more than 6 hours, flush water lines by running the cold water for 60 seconds prior to using the water from a faucet for drinking or cooking.

Periodically remove and clean the strainer/aerator device on your faucet to remove debris.

If you use a water filter, Warwick Water Division recommends replacing the cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer.