BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — In a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, the Martin County Water District has initiated a Lead and Copper survey aimed at gathering critical information from its customers, which will remain open until July 1. The short survey, designed to be concise and user-friendly, requests contact details, account information, and the material and age of customers’ service lines.
Identifying the type of service line connected to a property is vital for assessing potential health risks associated with lead and copper. The survey options include Lead, Copper, Galvanized Steel, PVC/Plastic, HDPE (Black Poly), PEX, and Other Non-Lead materials.
“The EPA has been trying to get rid of the use of lead pipes since the 1970s and 1980s, but it has especially become considered after the Flint, Michigan crisis,” Nina McCoy, a board member of the Martin County Water District, told the Mountain Citizen.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause significant health issues, particularly in children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems in children, while adults may experience high blood pressure and kidney damage. Lead accumulates in the body over time, meaning even small amounts can pose a significant health risk if exposure is continuous. The Flint water crisis highlighted the severe public health dangers of lead contamination, making the identification and replacement of lead pipes an urgent priority to ensure the safety of drinking water and protect community health.
How to identify your service line material
Look for any exposed plumbing in your basement, crawlspace, or water meter to identify the material. Different plumbing materials have distinct appearances:
Lead: Dull gray metal, very soft and can be easily marked with a key.
Copper: Orange or reddish-brown color does not attract a magnet.
Galvanized Steel: Magnetic, usually a dull gray color, and may show signs of rust.
PVC/Plastic: Usually white, sometimes gray or black, and made of plastic.
HDPE (Black Poly): Flexible black plastic commonly used in water supply lines.
PEX: Typically red or blue but can be white or clear, flexible plastic.
“Most people will probably have PVC since it is cheaper,” said McCoy. “Some may have copper and a few older homes may have galvanized steel.”
For residents unsure about the composition of their service lines, McCoy suggests consulting with family members who may know the home’s plumbing history or seeking assistance from a professional to inspect visible lines.
The survey’s findings will enable the Martin County Water District to address any concerns related to lead and copper in the water supply and to comply with environmental standards. This initiative reflects the district’s commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining transparency with its customers regarding water quality.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey, contributing essential data that will assist in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of drinking water in the community. Visit mcub.org to take the survey online. You can also call the billing office and complete the survey over the phone at 606-298-3885 or in person at the Water District billing office in the Coller Center, 387 East Main Street, Suite 140, Inez.