What is this survey and why am I receiving it?

You may be receiving a Lead Service Line Survey as part of a new state and federal requirement from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.

This survey does not mean there is a known lead problem in your water.
It is simply a required inventory to help identify what materials were used in water service lines when homes were originally built.

What is a service line?

A service line is the pipe that brings water from the community water main to your home.

• Home Water is responsible for the water system up to the curb stop or main.

• Homeowners are responsible for the service line on their property that runs from the curb stop into the home.

This survey helps document what material that homeowner-owned portion is made of.

Why is this being done now?

The EPA has issued updated rules requiring all water systems to confirm and document service line materials, even in communities where lead has not been found.

Water utilities are required to:

• Contact customers

• Collect this information

• Maintain records for regulatory compliance

This is a nationwide requirement, not something specific to your community.

What do I need to do?

Please:

1. Complete the survey to the best of your knowledge LEAD LINE SURVEY

2. Return it by the requested date

If you are unsure of the pipe material, you may indicate “unknown.”
In some cases, a simple visual check where the pipe enters your home may be sufficient.

What happens if my service line is lead?

If a service line is confirmed to be made of lead:

• The homeowner is responsible for replacement of their service line

• Home Water will provide required notices and guidance per DEC and EPA rules

At this time, this survey is for information-gathering and compliance purposes only.

Is my water safe?

Home Water continues to:

• Meet all required water quality testing standards

• Monitor and report results to the DEC

• Provide public notification if any action is ever required

There is no change to water service or water quality as a result of this survey.

Why your response matters

Returning this survey helps:

• Keep the system in compliance with state and federal regulations

• Prevent unnecessary follow-up notices

• Reduce costs and administrative burden for everyone

LEAD RELATED PUBLIC NOTIFICATIONS

Why are we posting lead-related public notifications?

These notifications are being posted because some customer-owned service lines have been reported or identified as potentially containing lead, not because lead has been found in the community water system.

State and federal rules require water utilities to notify customers whenever a lead service line is identified or reported, even if:

• There is no lead detected in the water, and

• All required water quality testing meets standards.

Important clarification

• Lead service lines and lead in water are not the same thing.

• A lead service line simply means a pipe material, not that lead is present in the water.

• Water quality depends on many factors, including treatment, corrosion control, and usage patterns.

At this time:

• No lead exceedances have been detected in the Home Water system

• There is no change to water service or water safety

Why does the notice sound serious?

The EPA requires specific wording in public notifications once a lead service line is identified or reported.
Utilities must use this language, even when the notice is precautionary and no water quality issue exists.

This is a regulatory notification, not an emergency notice.

Who is affected?

• The notice applies to properties where a service line was reported as lead or unknown

• It does not mean all homes are impacted

• It does not indicate system-wide contamination

Why are these notices being sent now?

The EPA recently updated its Lead and Copper Rule, requiring all water systems to:

• Maintain a verified inventory of service line materials

• Notify customers when lead service lines are identified

• Keep records for compliance with DEC and EPA regulations

These requirements apply nationwide.

What should customers do?

• Review the notice for information

• Complete and return the service line survey if requested

• Contact us if they have questions about their individual service line

NORTHERN LIGHTS TERRACE

SANDLAKE

SNOWSHOE