- Lead Service Line Inventory (2025)
Derry, NH Drinking Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
In 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) updated its original Lead and Copper Rule of 1991. This revision, referred to as the Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan, requires all regulated public water systems, including Derry’s water systems, to inventory their drinking water system water service lines. The goal is to identify and replace all drinking water service lines comprised of lead and galvanized steel downstream of lead. Lead can leach into drinking water from corroded pipes, fixtures and solder holding pipes together. Lead can cause serious health issues, especially for children and infants.
WATER SERVICE LINES EXPLAINED:
Each property serviced by Derry’s public water systems includes a service pipe that connects the home to the public water main in the street. The ownership and maintenance responsibilities of that service pipe is classified as:
SYSTEM-OWNED PORTION, which is the service pipe that begins at the public water main and runs to the curb stop (street shut-off valve) located near your property line at the street, and a,
CUSTOMER-OWNED PORTION, which is the service pipe that runs from the curb stop and runs into your home or business.
LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY:
Derry’s initial inventory shows that most, if not all, lead has been removed from Derry’s water system. The inventory also shows that most if not all galvanized pipe on the SYSTEM-OWNED PORTION was replaced with copper. Some services on the CUSTOMER-OWNED PORTION, however, may still be galvanized pipe. Many of the galvanized services were connected to the public water mains using a lead fitting. While most, if not all, these fittings have been removed, over the years while in service the lead from these fittings may have leached into the galvanized pipes. These services are now classified as GALVANIZED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT or GRR.
The initial inventory included researching our existing service records to identify the construction material of both the SYSTEM-OWNED and CUSTOMER OWNED PORTIONS of our system’s 4,466 service lines. These were classified as:
LEAD: There were 0 lead service lines identified in our inventory.
NON-LEAD-OTHER: We have identified 2,302 service connections to be NON-LEAD-OTHER. These services are constructed of either copper or plastic.
GALVANIZED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT (GRR): We have identified 20 services pipes which are classified as GRR and notifications have been provided to these property owners with additional information. EPA requires that these services be replaced within 10 years. For the customer notice click here.
UNKNOWN: The Town has thus far been unable to completely and conclusively identify the remaining 2,144 services and as such are classified as UNKNOWN. Customers with UNKNOWN services will also receive a notification by mail with further information. Our efforts over the next 3 years are to identify these remaining services and continue to update our inventory. For the unknown service notice click here.
Customers can find their service line classification here.
Customers whose service are classified as UNKNOWN can assist us in IDENTIFYING THEIR SERVICE LINE if they have additional information regarding the material of the service pipe entering their home or business or weather their service pipe has been replaced. Resources are available here to help you with identifying your service line material.
Identify your service line material here.
Please forward any information you have relative to your service to the Derry Water Department via email at [email protected].
WATER TESTING
Customers who have services classified as either GALVANIZED REQUIRING REPLACEMENT or UNKNOWN may request a free water sample test for lead. Sampling appointments may be requested by emailing the Derry Water Department at [email protected]. Please include the service address and contact information in your email. A sampling kit will be dropped off to your home or business. The customer will take the sample per the directions provided. Once the sample is taken, the customer will then email or call (603-432-6147) for the Town to pick up the sample. Please understand that depending on the number of sample requests, there may be a waiting period before a kit can be delivered.
Additional information can be found at: NH Department of Environmental Services, Lead and Copper Rules, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
For more information, please call the Derry Water Department (603-432-6147) or email us at [email protected].