The City of Warwick Water Division found higher levels of lead in drinking water in some homes during a recent round of testing. There are approximately 225 homes (less than one percent) having lead services primarily in the Lakewood and Pawtuxet areas.   Lead can cause serious health problems.  For more information, please contact the Water Division at 738-2000, extension 6601.

The following information was sent to the homes affected.

During a recent monitoring sampling period for lead and copper in the City of Warwick water system, lead results exceeded the acceptable action levels.  The exceedance of the lead action level triggers several requirements:

1. Increased monitoring of lead levels for the foreseeable future until levels revert to an acceptable level.
2. Lead service line replacement of at least 7% of all lead services on a yearly basis until all are replaced or until monitoring indicates compliance with the lead action level pursuant to regulatory requirements.
3. Public education concerning the results of recent lead monitoring period. This notice is part of this compliance.

What does this mean for you as a property owner? Our records indicate that the pipe that brings drinking water to your home from our water main in the street is made of lead. Ownership of the lead service line from the water main in the street to the curb stop shut off is owned by the City of Warwick.

To bring you the safest drinking water possible, Warwick Water, along with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Rhode Island Department of Health has determined that we will replace our portion of all lead service lines in our water system over the next several years. The lead service line for your home is scheduled to be replaced during the 2010 construction season.

 As a property owner, you have a choice to make. You need to decide whether or not to replace your portion of the connection. As the owner of the property, you are responsible to pay for the cost of replacing your portion of all the line. We will be replacing our section, regardless of your decision.  If you choose to replace your portion, you may have any contractor of your choice do the work for you. We would be more than happy to assist you in providing a list of contractors who perform this work.

 After construction, a temporary increase in the levels of lead in your drinking water could occur. Take the precautionary measures outlined in these articles:

 "How to Reduce Lead in Your Drinking Water"

“Partial Lead Service Replacement Advisory”

We will also test your water at no cost to you. You will be asked to collect this water sample within 72 hours of the lead service line replacement and you will be notified of the lead test results.

If you choose to replace your portion of the lead service line, please contact us by June 1, 2010 in order for us to coordinate with your contractor. Otherwise, we will assume that you choose not to replace your lead service line at this time.

Sincerely,

Department of Public Works

Water Division