Information
LEAD & COPPER
EPA's Rule Revision Water Service Line Inventory
As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of our water supply, we are identifying and inventorying the materials of all water service lines within our district. These include lead, non-lead, galvanized, and unknown lines.
Per EPA’s requirements, we complete a water service line inventory October 16, 2024. While we have records for many service lines installed after 1996, there are many service lines installed or replaced before that date for which we need more information to identify.
INFORMATION
Initial Inventory
Big Sky Water & Sewer District is focused on protecting the health of every household in our community.
At this time, no lead has been identified anywhere within the water system. The District will continue its efforts to determine the material of your service line in compliance with the EPA’s 2021 Lead and Copper Revision and 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. Efforts in the following years may include water sampling, service line excavation, and/or predictive modeling.
Initial Inventory
health effects & steps to reduce lead in your drinking water
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 worsen existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.
Steps you can take to reduce lead in your drinking water
Below are recommended actions that you may take, separately or in combination, if you are concerned about lead in your drinking water. The list also includes where you may find more information and is not intended to be a complete list or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead in drinking water.
Use filters 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, see EPA’s https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-point-use-and-pitcher-filters-certified-reduce-lead.
Clean your aerator. Regularly 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 from water.
Learn what your service line material is. Contact us at 406-995-2666 or waterserviceline@wsd363.com 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. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead-0 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 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 or galvanized service line if present.
Have your water tested. Contact us, your water utility, for more information on how to find a certified laboratory to have your water tested for lead. Note, a water sample may not adequately capture or represent all sources of lead that may be present. For information on sources of lead that include service lines and interior plumbing, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto.
For more information on reducing lead exposure from your drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead
Lead and Copper Analysis FAQs
What is the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, and why is it important?
The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) aims to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, which can pose health risks. As part of this initiative, water utilities, including Big Sky Water and Sewer District 363, are required to inventory all water service lines to identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with lead or galvanized pipes.
What is a water service line?
A water service line is the pipe that connects your property to the public water main, delivering drinking water to your building. This pipe may be made of different materials, and it is important to identify if it contains lead or other materials that could affect water quality.
What should I do if I don’t know where my water service line enters my house?
If you are unsure where your service line enters your home, it’s typically located in the basement, mechanical room, or near a wall panel where the water meter is installed. If you’re still having trouble, please contact the District at (406) 995-2666 to schedule an inspection by our team.
What if I have multiple properties or more than one service line into my property?
You will need to submit a separate survey for each service line. Each line may have different materials, and it is important for us to inventory each one individually.
What if I don’t know the material of my service line?
If you’re unable to determine the material, please take a clear photo of the pipe where it enters the building and send it to waterserviceline@wsd363.com. You can also contact the District to schedule an inspection if you’re unsure.
How can I submit my service line information?
You can submit your information in the following ways:
- Fill out the attached test form and mail it to Big Sky Water & Sewer Dist. 363, PO Box 160670, Big Sky, MT 59716.
- Email the information to waterserviceline@wsd363.com (attachment size limited to 10 MB).
- Complete on online survey using the QR code below, or by typing “bitly/wsd363leadsurvey” in a browser
Why is it necessary to submit this information?
The EPA mandates that all water systems complete an inventory of service lines to ensure public health and safety. By providing this information, you help us identify any potential risks related to lead in your service line.
What happens if lead or galvanized materials are found in my service line?
If lead or galvanized materials are found, the District will inform you of the next steps to replace or mitigate the risks associated with these materials. We are committed to working with our customers to ensure the safety of drinking water in our community.
How can I get my water tested?
Contact us, your water utility, for more information on certified laboratory testing. We have water sample test materials onsite to get you started in the process of connecting with a certified lab in our area.
Did you receive a notification of known or potential service line contain lead flyer in the mail.
To comply with § 141.84(a), any water system with lead, galvanized service lines requiring replacement, or service lines with unknown lead status in its inventory must notify all customers served by such lines. While no lead has been identified anywhere in our water system, EPA regulations require us to notify customers when the material of their service line is unknown. You are receiving this notice because we have not yet identified the material of your service line.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Big Sky Water and Sewer District 363 at (406) 995-2666 or email us at waterserviceline@wsd363.com.