Lead and Drinking Water

Lead and Drinking Water

(There is NO lead in our drinking water)

The Norridgewock Water District has a lead monitoring program to protect the health of all customers.  Lead in drinking water is monitored to ensure that guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are not exceeded.

Here’s what you need to know about lead and drinking water:

  • Lead is not found in our source of supply
  • Lead is not found in the distribution pipes that carry water to homes and businesses
  • Lead in drinking water is most commonly caused by HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING such as lead solder (used to join the pipes), and fixtures such as faucets that may contain lead.  When water is in contact with lead components for a long period of time (6-8 hours), lead can leach into the water.
  • Lead exposure can be reduced by running the water for 2-3 minutes before drinking it or using it for cooking if the water has sat unused for several hours.

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.

Maine Laboratories Certified to Test Lead in Drinking Water:

A & L Laboratory in Auburn 784-5354
Aqua Maine, Inc. in West Rockport 236-8428
Clear Water Laboratory in Newport 368-5786
Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory in Augusta 287-1716
Katahdin Analytical Services in Scarborough 874-2400
Maine Environmental Laboratory in Yarmouth 846-6569
Micmac Environmental Laboratory in Presque Isle 764-7219
Nelson Analytical Testing Laboratory in Springvale 324-2074
Northeast Laboratory Services in Waterville 873-7711
Wright-Pierce Engineers in Topsham 725-8721

Norridgewock Water District Disclaimer:  The list of laboratories above was obtained from the ME Drinking Water Program Website, http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eng/water/, and may not represent all
laboratories in Maine certified to test lead in drinking water.  Please be advised to contact individual laboratories and ask if they are certified to test lead in drinking water before proceeding.