Water Service Line Inventory
The Franklin Public Works Department is undertaking a federally mandated survey of all customer service pipe materials. The goal of this program is to identify lead components of the drinking water system.
While there have been no identified instances of lead exceedances in Franklin, we are mandated to identify and address any potential sources of lead that may exist. Our goal is to proactively replace any existing lead service lines to ensure the quality of drinking water and protect the health of our residents. We maintain a strong commitment to continuous monitoring, rigorous testing, and targeted infrastructure improvements to minimize lead exposure and maintain the highest standards of water safety. We encourage our residence to stay informed about our ongoing efforts and collaborate with us to establish a lead-free water system.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The best way to gather data on every customer’s service is to have you send us a picture of your water meter. Your water service enters the house at the water meter and we can gather pipe material information from the pictures.
Click Here to complete the survey and submit your inspection findings.
Have Questions?
Please visit the Town’s Lead Service Line Inventory website for detailed information and updates on the inventory’s progress:
https://lead-service-line-inventory-townoffranklin.hub.arcgis.com/
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LEAD
Our system’s water mains that carry the water to you are made mostly of iron, concrete, plastic, and copper so therefore do not add lead to water. However, lead can get into tap water through the service line that connects your home to the water main if it is made of lead. Lead may also come from lead solder used to connect pipes in home plumbing, and from some faucets and fixtures.
When lead is present in water, it is typically due to the water flowing through service lines or internal pipes or plumbing in buildings with lead pipes or plumbing with lead solder or brass. 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 increased risk of these adverse health effects Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Because lead may pose serious health risks, both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that “there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood”.
If you think you have a lead service line and want to reduce your exposure to lead you should do the following:
- Use only cold, fresh water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Run the water for at least 1 minute or until after it turns cold.
- Do not boil the water to remove lead.
- Check whether your home has a lead service line. IF YOU DO, HAVE IT REMOVED.
For more information on Lead see https://www.mass.gov/lead-in-drinking-water