Sunday, January 19, 2025
The Village of Rockville Centre is urging property owners to replace galvanized steel water service lines, which pose a risk of absorbing lead from previously installed pipes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, galvanized service lines are classified as “requiring replacement” if they were previously downstream of lead pipes. These lines can absorb lead, which may increase the risk of exposure through drinking water.
Anthony Iannone, superintendent of the Rockville Centre Water Department, said residents with galvanized pipes that have absorbed lead face an elevated risk of lead contamination.
“The Rockville Centre Water Department remains committed to safeguarding the health of its residents by complying with the Environmental Protection Agency’s updated lead and copper rule,” Iannone said.
The village is currently working to comply with updated EPA regulations, which require water providers to submit a detailed inventory of service lines to the New York State Department of Health. The inventory focuses on identifying lines installed before 1988, when lead pipes were banned, to determine whether they are made of lead, galvanized steel, or other materials that do not meet current standards.
Rockville Centre residents were sent a notice from the village if the service line material connected to their home is lead-based and needs replacement; if the service line is galvanized and preceded by lead or unknown material and needs replacement; or if the material is unkonwn and the village needs help to identify if the material used. Residents with pipes that are currently up to the standard did not receive a letter in the mail.
Homeowners notified by the village are encouraged to identify their service lines to determine whether they are made of lead and require replacement, are galvanized and preceded by lead or unknown materials, or are made of other materials requiring further evaluation.
“If lead is detected, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to replace their line from the water main to the house,” Iannone said.
The village advises residents to conduct a visual inspection to identify the material of their service lines. By using the flat edge of a screwdriver, residents can lightly scratch the surface of the pipe where it enters the home. If the pipe is dull silver-gray, a magnet can help determine the material. Strong magnets will cling to galvanized steel but will not stick to lead.
Residents should avoid scratching through any corrosion on the pipe and, if the material is identified as plastic, no further testing is necessary.
To assist with identification, the village has provided visual aids and an instructional video highlighting the characteristics of common service line materials, including lead, galvanized steel, copper, plastic, and brass. Lead, for example, has a dull, easily scratchable surface, while copper resembles the color of a penny.
Exposure to lead poses serious health risks, especially for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, and learning, behavioral, hearing, and speech problems.
“Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see,” the CDC reports. “Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.”
For adults, lead exposure can cause anemia, kidney damage, infertility, nerve damage, heart disease, and even death. Long-term exposure has also been linked to cancer and hearing loss.
The village emphasized that, while service line materials are being assessed, its water quality meets all regulatory standards.
“Our water quality meets all federal, state, and county regulations. Lead is not a concern in the water supplied to property-owned water service lines,” Iannone said.
To further protect residents, the village has implemented a corrosion control program designed to prevent lead and other materials from leaching into the water supply. The program is frequently monitored to ensure its effectiveness.
The village’s service line assurance initiative aims to proactively work with residents to address the new EPA regulations. By doing so, the village aims to address its aging infrastructure while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water in compliance with federal and state standards.
“Our water department is here to answer any questions residents may have, and we encourage anyone with concerns to reach out,” Iannone said.
For additional help, residents can send a photo of their service pipe where it enters the home, complete an online inspection form, or schedule an inspection by phone at (516) 678-9301 or email LeadAndCopper@rvcny.us for more information.
