Beginning October 16, 2024, all community and non-transient non-community water systems were required to inform their consumers at the service connection where the status of the service line is either lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or lead status unknown service lines (40 CFR 141.85(e)). The Village is in the process of preparing bid documents to install new potable water meters in each village parcel in the upcoming months. During that installation, the installer will determine the material of the service line entering the building and notify each property owner. The service line material information will also be shared with the local and state health agencies. Thank you for your patience as the Village works to collect information on the status of potable water service lines.

At this time the Village does not have test kits to give out but property owners may have their water and pipes tested by a certified lab. The Village is expecting to have a plumber inspect line in all Village homes during the meter replacement project scheduled for Spring 2025.

The Village of Brewster has not yet identified what your service line is made of. All or a part of your service line may be made of lead.

 What is a Lead Status Unknown Service Line?

A service line is the pipe connecting the water main to the building inlet. A typical configuration of a service line is shown here. When any section of the service line material is unknown, we need to categorize it as a lead status unknown service line.

What Does It Mean?

We don’t know what your service line or portion of it is made of. Until we can confirm that the entire length of your service line is not made of lead, we will continue to provide information about lead in drinking water once a year, so you can take precautionary measures to minimize your potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

Source of Lead in Drinking Water

Lead enters drinking water from a lead service line and indoor plumbing materials such as lead solder on copper pipes and chrome-plated brass or brass fixtures and faucets.

Health Effects of Lead

*Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have an increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.*

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water

• Use your filter properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet and EPA’s Consumer Tool for Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead.
• Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
• Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead
• Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. Residents may contact us at 845-279-3760 for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
• Learn what your service line material is. Contact us at 845-279-3760 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials. To find out about what we are doing to replace lead service lines, please visit www.brewstervillage-ny.gov or contact us at 845-279-3760 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead is EPA’s on-line step-by-step guide to learn how to find lead pipes in your home.
• Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Contact us at 845-279-3760 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line if present.
• Have your water tested. Contact us at 845-279-3760 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.

Get Your Child Tested to Determine Lead Levels in their Blood

Although there is no confirmation of having a lead service line, you may wish to speak with a healthcare provider to see if your child’s blood lead level is elevated and/or if there is a need for blood testing, if you are concerned about potential exposure. For more information on these actions, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/advisory/acclpp/actions-blls.htm.

Opportunities to Verify Your Service Line Material

We are also responsible for maintaining an inventory of all service lines, so keep us updated if your service line changes. 

If you have any questions about your service line, call us at 845-279-3760

This notice is brought to you by Village of Brewster
State Water System ID# 3903639
Date: November 14, 2024